ungenerous word to you, the best beloved of my friends. Should you ever
have the misfortune to endure the pangs of unrequited love, which may
Heaven forbid, you will know how to feel for me, and to appreciate my
situation."

"Perhaps it would be well for you to cease conversing on a subject so
painful."

"Ah, there it is. Great sorrows are uppermost in the mind, and though every
word brings a tear to the eye, and sends a pang to the heart, we _must_
talk about them."

"I was always impressed with the idea that such griefs as lay hold upon the
soul, were too deep for utterance."

"Yes, when the last ray of hope is gone, and the night of despair settles
upon the soul. But, oh, must I go out into that unillumed darkness, forever
shut out from light and hope? Is there no hope that I may some day call you
more than friend? that in time, even though it be years in the future, I
may be able to awaken emotions of tenderness in your heart?"

"I think I have answered that question often enough and plain enough. I do
not know why you wish to put me to the unpleasant necessity of repeating
that answer. But if I have, by any misconception of the use of words, and
the meaning of language, failed to be sufficiently definite in my speech,
please now, once for all, understand me distinctly. I cannot bid you hope
for any change in my feelings toward you so far as love is concerned. I
never can look upon you as an accepted suitor for my hand, nor will it ever
be in my power to love you."

"Perhaps you may think differently hereafter."

"Never!"

"Then my purpose is fixed. You shall not wed another! You, too, shall feel
what it is to be disappointed. You love Charles Hadley. Ah, I knew you did!
but mark me, you shall never wed him--_never_! I would sooner imbrue my
hands in his blood, than that you should! But he is a guilty culprit, a
wandering fugitive from justice, and will never dare return."

"Mr. Duffel, I have heretofore borne your persecutions with patience; I
will do so no longer. _You_, sir, are more guilty this day than Charles
Hadley. Look at the blood spots on your hand."

"What! ha! said the villain, taken aback by the bold remark.

"Yes, you may well flush and turn pale when your crimes stare you in the
face!"

"Crimes? Who dares to accuse me of crimes?"

"I do, sir!"

"You will repent it, madam."

"I do not fear your threats any more than I regard your hypocritical
protestations of esteem."

"I will ma