Shallow as he was, nature was
stronger than education, and he admired and
accepted what many a wiser, worldlier man would
have resented with anger or contempt. He loved
Debby with all his little might; he meant to tell
her so, and graciously present his fortune and
himself for her acceptance; but now, when the
moment came, the well-turned speech he had prepared
vanished from his memory, and with the
better eloquence of feeling he blundered out his
passion like a very boy.
"Miss Dora, I never meant to make trouble between
Clara and her lover; upon my soul, I didn't,
and wish Seguin had not put the notion into my
head, since it has given you pain. I only tried to
pique you into showing some regret, when I
neglected you; but you didn't, and then I got
desperate and didn't care what became of any one.
Oh, Dora, if you knew how much I loved you, I
am sure you'd forgive it, and let me prove my
repentance by giving up everything that you dislike.
I mean what I say; upon my life I do; and I'll
keep my word, if you will only let me hope.
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