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And what will the world do in return? How recompense the victims to its arbitrary prejudices? By letting them quickly sink into nothing; by suffering them to die with as little notice and distinction as they have lived; and with as little choice."

Mrs. Golding returned, bringing the respects of Mr. Harleigh, but saying that he was forced, by an indispensable engagement, to refuse himself the honour of waiting upon Miss Joddrel.

"Run to him again!—" cried Elinor, with vehemence; "run, or he will be gone! Make him enter the first empty room, and tell him 'tis Miss Ellis alone who desires to speak with him. Fly!"

Yet more earnestly, now, Juliet would have interfered; but the peremptory Elinor insisted upon immediate obedience. "If still," she cried "he come not . . . . I shall conclude you to be already married!"

She laughed, yet wore a face of horrour at this idea; and spoke no more