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nor!" he cried, "this is yet more wild than I had believed you! this flight, where you can expect no pursuit! this concealment, where you can fear no persecution! But her intellects are under the controul of her feelings,—and judgment has no guide so dangerous."
Ellis gently enquired what she must say to Mrs. Maple.
He hastily put by the letter. "Let me rather ask," he cried, half smiling, "what you will say to Me?—Will you not let me know something of your history,—your situation,—your family,—your name? The deepest interest occasions my demand, my inquietude.—Can it offend you?"
Ellis, trembling, looking down, and involuntarily sighing, in a faltering voice, answered, "Have I not besought you, Sir, to spare me upon this subject? Have I not conjured you, if you value my peace,—nay, my honour!—what can I say more solemn?—to drop it for ever more?"
