"
He regarded me with unfeigned surprise as he said,--
"Then you do not love me, Clara. I had hoped that I was not wholly
indifferent to you."
I replied,--
"As I believe you have addressed me with candor, I will answer you in
the same manner. I do love you; and, were I guided by my own heart in
the matter, my reply to your honorable proposal would have been
different. But there are insurmountable barriers to our union."
"Name them," was his reply.
"Mr. Leighton," I answered. "Whether or not you are aware of the fact,
that I am unable to say; but I _know_ that your family would never
consent to your marriage with their governess. They may respect and
treat me kindly in my present position, but would never be willing to
receive me as a daughter. It will, therefore, be wiser for you to place
your affections upon some one in your own position in life."
"Am I not," replied Willie, "free to follow my own wishes in the
matter? What care I for those butterflies of fashion, whose highest
enjoyment is to shine in the gay assembly or crowded ball room. My
heart's devotion must be given to one who possesses true nobility of
mind. Should my parents refuse their consent to our marriage, then shall
I feel justified in following the dictates of my own heart.
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