The Land Claim — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

82 THE LAND-CLAIM. hard to deny the pleader in her own heart, that Alicia ceased to think of it, and quietly accepted his offered assistance. “ Tf you knew how unhappy I have been !” continued Allen, “and you too, darling—I do not need to be told that you are suffering with me. Oh, if I could bear it all, I would submit more cheerfully.” “T fear it is not wise, Mr. Allen, for me to listen to any conversation on this subject. You remember the terms on which I am permitted to remain here until after my father’s trial. Even seeing you in this accidental manner puts me in danger of being sent away.” : “They shall not send you away; indeed, they shall not. I will carry you off in my arms first.” - “You forget, Mr. Allen, that my consent would be want- ing to such a proceeding.” “ Ah, you smile as beautifully as ever. But don’t call me Mr. Allen, dearest. Did you not know my name is Frede- rick? You have never called me that, though I wish you would. Oh, darling! Providence has thrown us together once more to-day. It may be we shall never meet again alone. Don’t be cold with me. You did not promise not to love me, but only to give me up. And now that we have met by the kindness of pitying Heaven, do not waste our precious moments in assumed indifference. Let this be an afternoon to remember through years of trial. Dearest Alicia, forget your father and Mr. Mauvais, and all the world but me. Give me these few brief hours.” Where was the gay and confident Allen of a few months past ? “Every one says,” murmured Alicia, regarding him at- tentively, “that J am very much changed; but I can not think I am so changed as you are. Dear Frederick, how much pain I must have caused you! I am so sorry! I wish you cou!d forget me altogether.” “ She sighed, and drew her hand away, as if her free renun- ciation would help him in making his. “Don’t take your hand away, Gear. Lovely little hand, whose owner talks of being forgotten! If I could forget you, darling, I would not wish to. The misery of a hopeless love for you, is sweeter than happiness with any one else. So comliclooks. com