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"He thinks," said Ermine, with a shaken voice, "that real trustworthy

affection outweighs all the world could say"

"But he thinks it is a strange, erated by pity

for one sunk so low?" said Rachel, in an excitedas a pledge ofthe whole truth Colonel Keith is certainly not fond of you

personally, and rather wonders at Alick, but he has never doubted that

this is the genuine feeling that is for life, and that it is capable of

you both better and happier Indeed, Rachel, we do both feel

that you suit Alick much more than many people who have been far better

liked"

Rachel looked cheered "Yet you," she faltered, "you have been an

instance of resolute withstanding"

"I don't think I shall be long,"forth upon her cheek, and leading the question from herself

"Just suppose you did carry out this fierce act of self-abnegation, what

do you think could come next?"

"I don't knoould not break down or die if I could help it," added

Rachel, faintly after her brave beginning

"And for hi cast off would be so very pleasant to

hi her head, and her lips ood for him?"

"No, Rachel, it is the very sorest trial there can be when, even in the

course of providence, kind intentions are coldly requited; and it would

be incalculably harder when therewith there would be rejection of love"