your generous intentions in my favour, save me from the displeasure of my father, and let me be still further indebted to your nobleness of mind; the favour I solicit is no common one; but you have a soul superior to self-consideration, and on that I rest my confidence."
She might have proceeded for some time without interruption from me, so astonished and mortified did I feel at her address; but when she had ceased speaking, I endeavoured to recover my spirits, and told her, 'that had there remained a possibility of her being united to the object of her attachment, I would have imposed silence upon my wishes for ever; but as it was evident such a connexion never could take place, as I flattered myself that my tenderness, and earnest endeavours to gain her heart, and promote her happiness, would in time have the desired effect; she must forgive me if I could not comply with her request, or forego a blessing her father had so kindly promised me."
