kind,--objects of sensualism in its vilest associations.
Maxwell has taken a deep interest in Clotilda; and the solicitude
she manifests for her child has drawn him still further in her
favour; he is determined to solve the mystery that shrouds her
history. Drawing near to them, he seats himself upon the ground at
their side, inquires why they did not come into the house. "There's
no place there for us,--none for me," Clotilda modestly replies,
holding down her head, placing her arm around Annette's waist.
"You would enjoy it much better, and there is no restraint upon
anyone."
"We know not why the day was not for us to enjoy as well as others;
but it is ordained so. Where life is a dreary pain, pleasure is no
recompense for disgrace enforced upon us. They tell us we are not
what God made us to be; but it is the worst torture to be told so.
There is nothing in it-it is the curse only that remains to enforce
wrong. Those who have gifts to enjoy life, and those who move to
make others happy, can enjoy their separate pleasures; our lives are
between the two, hence there is little pleasure for us," she
answered, her eyes moistening with tears.
"If you will but come with me-"
"Oh, I will go anywhere," she rejoined, quickly; "anywhere from
this; that I may know who I am-may bear my child with me-may lead a
virtuous life, instead of suffering the pangs of shame through a
life of unholy trouble."
"She never knows when she's well off. If Marston was to hear her
talk in that way, I wouldn't stand in her shoes," interrupted Ellen,
with a significant air.
Touched by this anxious reply, Maxwell determined to know more of
her feelings-to solve the anxiety that was hanging upon her mind,
and, if possible, to carry her beyond the power that held her and
her child in such an uncertain position.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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