"Oh, no--no!" cried I, eagerly, and I caught my mother's eye rather sternly fixed upon me; but I regarded it not, for I felt at the very bottom of my heart the sudden change from misery to joy which Seymour's face now exhibited. He could not speak--his heart was too full; but leaning back, overcome both with physical and moral exhaustion, he nearly fainted away. He was soon, however, roused to new energy by the indignation with which he listened to what my mother felt herself called upon to say. I shall not enter into a detail of her observations; suffice, that she candidly told him her objections to his being allowed to address me remained in full force, as did her ardent wish that I should marry De Walden, who had offered himself as my lover, and who (she was certain) would as surely make me happy in marriage, as he would make me _miserable_. When she had ended, he thanked her for her candour, but coldly reminded her that he had always said he would never take a refusal from any lips but mine--and he retained his resolution. "And now," said he, "the opportunity is arrived. Helen! such as I am--not worthy of you, I own, except as far as tender and constant love can make me so--I offer myself to your acceptance. Speak--Yes or No--and speak as your heart dictates!" I remained silent for a minute; then faltered out, sighing deeply as I spoke, "I have no will--can have no will--but my mother's." "Enough!" replied he, in a tone and with a look which seemed to me to be the climax of despair. "Hark!" cried he, "the Oxford clocks are striking six--why do I linger here? for here I am sure I have no longer any business!" He let down the glass, and desired the postilions to stop, while the footman rode up to the door. This little exertion seemed too much for him, and he sunk back quite exhausted, while my mother tried to take one of his hands. "Pshaw!" cried he, throwing her hand from him--"give me love or give me hate; no half-measures for me; nor hope, when you and your daughter have given me my death-blow, that I will accept of _emollients_. I thank you, madam, as I would a _stranger_, for your _courtesy_ in admitting me here, and I wish you both good morning." Again his strength failed him, and he was forced to wipe the dews of weakness from his forehead. "Go, I must--even if I die in the effort!" he then exclaimed.