“I was aroused from my lethargy by hearing the street door close after Wold, and I desired Mrs. Arras to permit me to have an interview with Laura alone. It was granted, and I was soon in the presence of the lovely maid. She was aware of my perturbation and its cause. She sat with her eyes cast down in silence. I looked upon her form and her features of perfect beauty, and oh! what tongue can describe the mingled and contending emotions that convulsed my breast! I repressed every violent or boisterous inclination of my spirits, however, and taking her unresisting hand, sat down in sorrow at her side. “‘Laura,’ said I, with difficulty finding utterance, ‘do we thus part, and for ever?’ She made no answer, but gazed steadfastly at the rich carpet, while her face, though somewhat paler than usual, betrayed no change of muscle. “‘Laura,’ I repeated, in tones more distinct, ‘are we _now_ to part, and _for ever_?’ “‘Father says so,’ she replied. Her hand fell from my grasp. The unmoved, _indifferent_ manner of her reply froze my blood in my veins! I again stared at her composed features in astonishment allied to contempt. “‘But what do _you_ say?’ I asked, with a bluntness that startled her. “‘Father knows best, perhaps!’ she replied, turning her eyes to mine, I thought, with calmness. “‘Laura,’ said I, again taking her hand, for I was once more subdued by her beauty, ‘I love you with my whole soul, and must continue to love you. Ay, were you even to spurn me with your foot, so indissolubly have my affections grown to your image, that my bleeding heart would turn in adoration to the smiter. And I fondly hoped and believed that the passion was returned—indeed, I had your assurance of the fact; nay, think not I design to reproach you. It were bootless, had I the heart to do it. Be assured that were you not only cruel to me, but steeped in crime and guilty of injustice to the whole human race, I would still be your friend were all others to forsake you. Deem me never your foe, or capable of ever becoming such. May heaven bless you! We part—but, under _any_ circumstances, should adverse fortune overtake you and I can be of service, I beg you not to hesitate to apply to me. You will find me still your friend. I will not attempt to reverse the decision which you have made. However humiliating and poignant the thought may be that I was unconsciously the means of introducing the _object_ that influenced your decision, yet I will not murmur, neither will I become _his_ enemy, for your sake. I hope you will be happy. I pray that heaven may incline your heart to be true and _constant_ to Wold.’ “‘I hope so,’ said she in a low tone. “‘Laura,’ said I, rising, ‘you confess, then, that Wold possesses your love?’ “‘Yes,’ said she; ‘but I cannot help it!’