I have not concealed from you or my
guardian that I am the affianced bride of Doctor Rocke, nor that our
troth was plighted with the full consent of my dear father," said
Clara, gravely.
"Tut, tut, tut, my charming cousin, that was mere child's play--a
school-girl's romantic whim. Do not dream that your guardian will
ever permit you to throw yourself away upon that low-bred fellow."
"Mr. Le Noir, if you permit yourself to address me in this manner, I
shall feel compelled to retire. I cannot remain here to have my
honored father's will and memory, and the rights of my betrothed,
insulted in my person!" said Clara, rising to leave the room.
"No--stay! forgive me, Clara! pardon me, gentlest girl, if, in my
great love for you, I grow impatient of any other claim upon your
heart, especially from such an unworthy quarter. Clara, you are a
mere child, full of generous but romantic sentiments and dangerous
impulses. You require extra vigilance and firm exercise of authority
on the part of your guardian to save you from certain self-
destruction. And some day, sweet girl, you will thank us for
preserving you from the horrors of such a mesalliance," said Craven
Le Noir, gently detaining her.
"I tell you, Mr. Le Noir, that your manner of speaking of my
betrothal is equally insulting to myself, Doctor Rocke and my dear
father, who never would have plighted our hands had he considered
our prospective marriage a mesalliance.
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