This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
86
THE AUTHOR'S DAUGHTER.

"But I think I shall be miserable; I know I do no love him."

"Your head is so full of romances that you have no idea of what is really required as love from a young lady of rank."

"And besides, I am pretty sure he does not care much for me," said Lady Eveline sullenly.

"Oh! yes, I'm convinced that he does. I am sure these are most striking proofs of atachment. But I see how it is. It was the greatest folly not to tell me of this affair before you came to Gower's Court. If you had not been here, and seen a number of idle flattering creatures that appear to you to be more lively and agreeable than the excellent young man in whom you are engaged, you would have been quite satisfied with your chains. Never mind, these are really beautiful, and you may wear them with an easier mind than I thought you could have, for you know that they were paid for."

"Paid for—yes—" said Lady Eveline with a sigh, "but I would give them all and a great deal more to be able to return them and feel that I was free."

"My dear child, that cannot be. It is very wrong to trifle with a young man's feelings in this way, and very disgraceful to break off an engagement. If Mr. Derrick broke it off, every one would cry shame on him, and you should feel