“I confess it! In shame and confusion I confess it—but then many times I am also asked what is the precise nature of the relations subsisting between yourself and this girl?” “No, NO!” “Yes, I tell you!” “No! no one dares to question that!” “But they _do_, I tell you! Ay, and _answer_ their own questions in a manner that reflects very little honor upon the parties!” “Would God I had never seen the girl! Would God I had never brought her here! I would give my right hand rather than evil should befall her! But who is it that dares slander her? Tell me! Give me some name! Let me have SOME one to make an example of!” “Nay, Clifton! you can’t make an example of women and children!” said Frank, evasively. “By Heaven, sir, they have husbands and fathers, who shall be held accountable for the license of tongue they allow their wives and daughters!” “Nay, now, Archer! This is a mere matter of gossip, that will die out, if you are discreet!” “To dare to talk of _her_! They never looked upon her face! Else they never could associate the thought of evil with that noble brow, those thoughtful eyes, and serious lips! To slander _her_!” “Nay, nay—it is _not_ slander; only what I am afraid should _become_ such. It is only fun—joke—” “To dare to joke of _her_!” “‘_Her!_’ Verily, Clifton, any one to hear you breathe ‘_her!_’ with your full soul’s volume poured into the little word, would think there was but one ‘_her_’ in the world! Archy, you take a very strange interest in that girl. Are you sure that you are not in love with her?” “In love with her! Nonsense—she is a child!” “Well then, are you sure you should not be in love with her, if she were a woman?” “Ridiculous! She is a low-born girl!” “Oh I forgot! I beg pardon! You demonstrated that to me before.” “And, besides, sir, please to remember that all my love and faith are due to my cousin, Miss Clifton; and that _she_ has my whole heart! I love, admire, honor, my beautiful betrothed bride—nor for her proud sake will I brook that any one should think it possible that I could even in thought fail in full loyalty to my liege lady! But, Frank! my soul’s dear brother! as I tell you everything, I will tell you this! that I feel the very deepest interest in Catherine’s welfare! If you ask me _why_—I tell you I do not know! It surprises and confounds myself! But from the first moment I looked upon her noble face, I felt that interest stir within my deepest soul. And it has never since ceased!” “I swear you are enamored of her!”