violent in proportion to the enthusiasm of his character. She made an effort to repel the charge he had stated.
"You forget," she said, "your own worth and nobleness when you insult so very helpless a being, and one whom fate has thrown so totally into your power. You know who and what I am, and how impossible it is that Menteith or you can use language of affection to me, beyond that of friendship. You know from what unhappy race I have too probably derived my existence."
"I will not believe it," said Allan, impetuously; "never flowed crystal drop from a polluted spring."
"Yet the very doubt," pleaded Annot, "should make you forbear to use this language to me."
"I know," said M'Aulay, "it places a bar between us—but I know also that it divides you not so inseparably from Menteith.—Hear me, my beloved Annot!—leave this scene of terrors and danger—go with me
