Miss Vernon, replied Godolphin, all that I said last night, I now, in calmness, and with deliberate premeditation, repeat: all that I can dream of happiness is in your hands.
I would, indeed, that I could disbelieve you, said Constance, sorrowfully; I have considered deeply on your words. I am touchedmade gratefulproudyes, truly proudby your confessed affectionbut
Oh, Constance! cried Godolphin; in a sudden and agonized voiceand rising, he flung himself impetuously at her feetConstance! do not reject me!
He seized her hand: it struggled not with his. He gazed on her countenance: it was dyed in blushes; and before those blushes vanished, her agitation found relief in tears, which flowed fast and full.
Beloved! said Godolphin, with a solemn tenderness, why struggle with your heart? That heart I read at this moment: that is not averse to me. Constance wept on. I know what you would say, and what you feel, continued Godolphin: you think that Ithat we both are poor: that you could ill bear the humiliations of that haughty poverty which those born to higher fortunes so irksomely endure. You tremble to link your fate with one who has been imprudentlavishselfish, if you will. You recoil before you intrust your happiness to a man who, if he wreck that, can offer you nothing in return: no rankno stationnothing to heal a bruised heart, or cover its wound, at least, in the rich disguises of power and wealth. Am I not right, Constance? Do I not read your mind?
No! said Constance with energy. Had I been born any mans daughter, but his from whom I take my name; were I the same in all things, mind and heart, save in one feeling, one remembrance, one objectthat I am now; Heaven is my witness that I would not cast a thought upon povertyupon privation: that I wouldnay, I doI do confide in your vows, your affection. If you have erred, I know it not. If any but you tell me you have erred, I believe them not. You I trust wholly and implicitly. Heaven, I say, is my witness that, did I obey the voice of my selfish heart, I would gladly, proudly, share and follow your fortunes. You mistake me if you think sordid and vulgar ambition can only influence me. No! I could be worthy of you! The daughter of John Vernon could be a worthy wife to the man of indigence and genius. In your poverty I could soothe you; in your labour I could support you; in your reverses console, in your prosperity triumph. Butbut, it must not be. Go, Godolphindear Godolphin! There are thousands better and fairer than I am, who will do for you as I would have done; but who possess the power I have notwho, instead of sharing, can raise your fortunes. Go!and if it comfort, if it soothe you, believe that I have not been insensible to your generosity, your love. My best wishes, my fondest prayers, my dearest hopes, are yours.