because such love seemed hopeless. I never dreamt that one so beautiful, so gifted, could waste a thought on myself. But it was happiness to hope that he might be happy, to think of him, to pray for him. And now to know that he loves me (for he would not marry me without.) makes me feel as if I were in a dream, whose only fear is to awake. And you my dearest father, how kind you are to me! Can you forgive me if I tell you that there was a time when I thought you did not care for me, because I was not fair as my sisters? It made me feel so lonely, so sad; and I clung yet more to my love for my cousin: no one cared for my affection; it was, therefore, my own to do with as I would. But his love scarcely fills me with a deeper joy than does yours. O, my father! if I have ever given you cause for pain, if I have ever angered you, forgive me now: tell me that, in future years, when weary of the hurried life that you now lead, my care, my affection, will be a comfort to you; tell me, my own dearest father, that you love me!"
While speaking, Constance had raised her
