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She had shrunk down--sunk is not the word to convey an idea of the

prostration of strength, the collapse of resolution, expressed by

the figure cowering in the deep chair, its face upborne and hidden

by the shaking hands They were cold as ice, Frederic felt, when he

would have drawn them aside

"We will have no foolish reserves, my child Much, if not all, the

happiness of our future lives may depend upon our perfect sincerity

now You do not require to be told how poor is the offering of my

heart You are the only person who has ever entered into the secret

of its eht, where there should be

bloolow But such as it is, it is

yours, if you will have it If you are willing to trust yourself

with me, I will cherish as I now honor you, truly and forever; leave

no means untried that can add to your happiness Dare you make the