"It does, it does!" interrupted Mrs. Courtenaye, vehemently.
"You overvalue the advantages of the alliance," said Norbourne: "but, even were they tenfold, it would be of no avail to urge them upon me. My heart, my faith, are pledged to another."
"Do not tell me so!" almost shrieked his listener. "Norbourne, I charge you, by your mother's blessing, to marry your cousin—I command, I entreat you!"
Norbourne stood startled into silence by her sudden vehemence: it was but for a moment; and he continued, calmly, but kindly,—
"My mother's command would be sacred in any matter less intimately connected with my happiness and my honour."
"They cannot," said Mrs. Courtenaye, with such utter sadness of tone that Norbourne started at the sound, "be dearer to yourself than they are to me. Do not for some foolish fancy"
"Nay," interrupted Courtenaye, "I would not present to you a daughter unworthy of
