“Glenarvon,” Lady Avondale replied, weeping bitterly. “I am much more miserable than you can be; I have more love for you than it is possible you can feel for me. I am not worth half what you inspire. I never will consent to part.” “Then you must accompany me,” he said, looking her full in the face. “Alas! if I do thus, how will yourself despise me. When society, and those whose opinion you value, brand her name with infamy who leaves all for you, where shall we fly from dishonor? how will you bear up under my disgrace?” “I will bear you in my arms from the country that condemns you—in my heart, your name shall continue spotless as purity,” he replied,—“sacred as truth. I will resist every opposition, and slay every one who shall dare to breathe one thought against you. For you I could renounce and despise the world; and I will teach you that love is in itself such ecstacy, that all we leave for it is nothing to it.” “How can I resist you?” she answered. “Allow me to hear and yet forget the lessons which you teach—let me look on you, yet doubt you—let me die for you, but not see you thus suffer.” “Come with me now—even now,” said Glenarvon fiercely,—“I must make you mine before we part: then I will trust you; but not till then.” He looked upon her with scorn, as she struggled from his grasp. “Calantha, you affect to feel more than I do,” he cried; “but your heart could not exist under what I endure. You love!—Oh you do not know how to love.” “Do not be so cruel to me: look not so fierce Glenarvon. For you, for you, I have tempted the dangers of guilt; for you, I have trembled and wept; and, believe it, for you I will bear to die.” “Then give yourself to me: this very hour be mine.” “And I am yours for ever: but it must be your own free act and deed.” “Fear not; Lady Margaret is in my power; I am appointed to an interview with her to-morrow; and your aunt dares not refuse you, if you say that you will see me. It is on your firmness I rely: be prudent: it is but of late I counsel it. Deceit is indeed foreign to my nature; but what disguise would I not assume to see you?”