13
his agitation—that he would inform his father of their attachment, if his dear Jane insisted on such a sacrifice, which he knew would be attended with fatal consequences to his future prospects. “Consider, that Lubin’s situation and property are far superior to my sister’s; he did not object to the alliance of the Arnold’s with his daughter; but old age, my best love, will be avaricious; and he has far higher views for his son.” "Which he will doubtless," replied Jane, the tears starting from her expressive eyes, "comply with, and sacrifice his love to filial duty.” Henry appeared hurt at this suggestion, but in a few moments, recovering himself to his usual placidity, he strove to give confidence and composure to the breast of Jane, and at this time succeeded. At a late hour the company separated, to the extreme relief of Jane, who was anxious to retire to the solitude of the chamber, and commune with her own thoughts. Of Henry’s conduct she knew not what to think, She loved him, sincerely loved him, and she feared to lose him by ill-timed expressions of dissatisfactions or doubt; yet she knew herself to be in a situation that, ere long, must proclaim, to the gaze of every beholder, her loss of honour. This precluded delay added poignancy to her woes. At this moment she was miserable. Then she reflected on the oaths and protestations of Henry; his kind assurances at their last interview, on which he called on every holy power to witness his faith to her his chosen wife; and
