Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/132

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130
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

disinterested: others may judge of him even as they themselves would have acted, but I judge him by old and perfect knowledge: but I fear that my father used undue influence; perhaps he appealed to my cousin's pity. Oh, Henrietta! you talked of disdaining pity; I am thankful even for that; but it is a dreadful requital for love!"

She paused in agitated silence, and Henrietta felt that silence and caresses were at first her only answer; but, having soothed her companion into more of composure, she could not but add, "but you are married, and might both be happy yourself, and make your husband's happiness. It is not in any nature, more especially one kind and generous as his, to be insensible to your devotion, or to your many engaging qualities; why dwell on these sad and vain imaginations?"

"They are sad, but not vain," replied Constance; "but for them I should still cling too closely to a world I shall soon leave for ever! I have at last learned to say, 'Not my will, but thine, O Father! be done.' I am