t; and, in disclaiming with a
positiveness which left no room for self-deception, any interest in Mr.
Bruce beyond that of an old acquaintance and well-wisher, she
nevertheless softened her refusal by the choice of the mildest language.
She felt gratitude and consideration were due to the man who, however
little she might esteem _him_, had paid _her_ the highest honour;" and,
though her regret in the matter was tempered by the thought of Kitty,
and the strangeness of Mr. Bruce's conduct towards her, now rendered
doubly inexplicable, she did not permit that reflection to prevent her
from maintaining the demeanour of a perfect lady, who, in giving pain to
another, laments the necessity of so doing. But she almost felt as if
her thoughtfulness for his feelings had been thrown away, when she
perceived the spirit in which he received her refusal.

"Gertrude," said he, "you are either trifling with me or yourself. If
you are still disposed to coquet with me, I shall not humble myself to
urge you further; but if, on the other hand, you are so far forgetful of
your own interests as deliberately to refuse such a fortune as mine, I
think it's a pity you haven't got some friend to advise you. Such a
chance doesn't occur every day, especially to poor school-mistresses;
and if you are so foolish as to overlook it, you'll never have another."

Gertrude's _old temper_ rose at this insulting language; but her
feelings had been too long under strict regulation to yield, and she
replied in a tone which, though slightly agitated, was far from being
angry, "Allowing I could so far forget _myself_, Mr. Bruce, I would not
do _you_ such an injustice as to marry you for your fortune. I do not
despise wealth, for I know the blessing it may often be; but my
affections cannot be bought with gold;" and as she spoke she moved
towards the door.

"Stay!" said Mr. Bruce, catching her hand; "listen to me one moment; let
me ask you one question. Are you jealous of my late attentions to
another?"

"No," answered Gertrude; "but I confess I have not understood your
motives."

"Did you think," asked he, "that I care for silly Kitty? Did you believe
that I had any other desire than to show you that my devotion was
acceptable elsewhere? No, I never had the least particle of regard for
her; my heart has been yours all the time, and I only danced attendance
upon _her_, in hopes to win a glance from _you_--an _anxious_ glance, if
might be. Oh, I have wishe