'
'I believe, sir,' said the young Duke, with a smile, 'I was obstinate.'
'Well, this changes all our plans. I have intended, for this fortnight
past, to speak to you finally on your affairs. No better time than the
present; and, in the first place----'
But, really, this interview is confidential.
CHAPTER XI.
_'Perfection in a Petticoat.'_
THEY come not: it is late. He is already telling all! She relapses into
her sweet reverie. Her thought fixes on no subject; her mind is
intent on no idea; her soul is melted into dreamy delight; her only
consciousness is perfect bliss! Sweet sounds still echo in her ear, and
still her pure pulse beats, from the first embrace of passion.
The door opens, and her father enters, leaning upon the arm of her
beloved. Yes, he has told all! Mr. Dacre approached, and, bending down,
pressed the lips of his child. It was the seal to their plighted faith,
and told, without speech, that the blessing of a parent mingled with the
vows of a lover! No other intimation was at present necessary;' but she,
the daughter, thought now only of her father, that friend of her long
life, whose love had ne'er been wanting: was she about to leave him? She
arose, she threw her arms around his neck and wept.
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