The Land Claim — page 122: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

118 THE LAND-CLAIM. putting such a question, Sir Deming, did net a consciousness of my own unwogthiness tie my tongue,” said Allen. “ What's that, sir! Are you suddenly become some terrible villain, who only a few hours ago thought yourself worthy of my niece ?” “Pardon me, Sir Deming, I think you understand that the seeming equality of our circumstances has ceased to exist. You do not believe in unequal marriages—and neither do I.” “ Well! well! well !—do you hear that, Alicia? This young republican rejects an alliance with the English aristocracy ! Perhaps he wishes you to resign your rights, in order that he may pay his addresses to you still ?” “ Heaven knows,” said Allen, with emotion, “ that I demand no sacrifice from her. It is myself—my loye—as pure and ardent a love as man ever felt—that I propose to sacrifice to her present and future good. IfI were rich, and could keep her in the social position she is entitled to, the case would then be different. As it is, I can not ask her to marry me.” “ By Jupiter, young man, I like your spirit! I like your nation, too. I have seen much of Americans this summer, and I kike them. A good amount of brag—but they came honestly by that—for there’s no greater boaster than John Bull. That’s not the question, however. Alicia, will you still ask this gentleman to marry you; or do you consider yourself rejected beforehand ?” “You have authority to give me to whom you choose,” she answered, with a slight emphasis on the word give, and blush- ing beautifully. “ Oh, the artfulness of woman!” cried the baronet, laughing. “ Who but a woman would haye found so smooth a way out of a difficulty ? 1 must give you away, must I? I have half a mind not to humor the republican, to do that. But, if I don’t, I shall have you so dull, that your company will quite upset my enjoyment of our travel. Here, Mr. Allen, I give her to you. She is yours, and I congratulate you both. Mrs. Wyman does the same, I am sure.” _ “The Lord be praised !” exclaimed Mrs, Wyman, as Allen received his young bride in his arms, “If ever I wished any thing in my life, I did wish for this!” “Do you think you can get these young people married comlicloooks. com