“Well, yes, I do not deny that. But, so far as relates to him, I think it is the truth.” “You think it is the truth, Georgie, and speak so quietly about it? How can you?” “She is a dear, sweet girl, Mrs. Savage; and I think Horace loves her.” “Horace does no such thing, Georgie, and you know it. His real love has always been for you, my own child.” “I hope not,” answered Georgie, demurely; “for I can never love him.” “Georgiana Halstead!” “It is true, Mrs. Savage. I haven’t had the courage to tell you so before, because your heart was set on it; but, try as hard as we will, Horace and I cannot—that is, I cannot marry Horace.” Poor child! how she struggled to shield her pride, and yet speak the truth. She was trembling all over, and yet smiled into Mrs. Savage’s astonished face, as if it were the easiest thing in the world that she was doing. “Georgiana, I cannot think that you are in earnest.” “Indeed, Mrs. Savage, you must think so.” “You are angry about the girl, and will not let me know it.” “Indeed, I am not. In my whole life I never saw a finer girl—she is worth a dozen of me.” “No human being could ever claim half so much, dear little Georgie. Come, come, tell me the truth; you are very angry with Horace, and no wonder—he tries even my patience.” “Mrs. Savage, do believe me; I am not in the least angry with any one. It is only that neither Horace nor I wish to marry each other. We have always been good friends; and I would so like to be related to you, but without mutual love it would be wicked.” “Then you really do not love my son?” “Don’t, please, make me repeat it over and over! It seems so harsh; but you must not expect any thing of the kind.” Mrs. Savage threw her arms around Georgie where she sat, and laid her cheek against her hair. “Oh, Georgie, Georgie! you will not disappoint me so.” The woman was in earnest; her voice broke, and tears fell upon the girl’s bright hair. Then Georgie began to tremble, and burst into tears. “Dear child, you are crying, too. I felt sure that you could not persist in this cruel resolution. Come, child, kiss me, and forget all that has been said.” “No, no, dear friend. I—I am only crying because it is impossible. Hearts are not to be forced.” “But he loves you. Believe it, for he does!” “I am very sorry; but that can make no difference.” “Do you love any one else, Georgiana Halstead?” A new thought had struck the proud woman; you could tell that from the imperious tone in which she spoke. “You must not ask me any thing more,” answered Georgie. “I have said all that you will care to hear.” “I think you have all conspired to drive me frantic’” said Mrs. Savage, throwing herself back in her chair: “I thought every thing was settled so nicely. Now you come to disturb me. But I will not give this match up. It has been in my heart since you were children.”