. How tenderly I will nurse you when sick! it is possible you may be
sick, you know, and, no one in the world will be half so watchful and
affectionate as I shall be. Will you let me?"

In saying this, her earnestness gave new pathos to her voice. Insensibly
she put her face close to mine, and, transported beyond the usual bounds
of reserve by the charms of that picture which her fancy contemplated,
she put her lips to my cheek, and repeated, in a melting accent, "Will
you let me?"

You, my friends, who have not seen Eliza Hadwin, cannot conceive what
effect this entreaty was adapted to produce in me. She has surely the
sweetest voice, the most speaking features, and most delicate symmetry,
that ever woman possessed. Her guileless simplicity and tenderness made
her more enchanting. To be the object of devotion to a heart so fervent
and pure was, surely, no common privilege. Thus did she tender me
herself; and was not the gift to be received with eagerness and
gratitude?

No. I was not so much a stranger to mankind as to acquiesce in this
scheme. As my sister or my wife, the world would suffer us to reside
under the same roof; to apply to common use the same property; and daily
to enjoy the company of each other; but she was not my sister, and
marriage would be an act of the grossest indiscretion. I explained to
her, in few words, the objections to which her project was liable.

"Well, then," said she, "let me live in the next house, in the
neighbourhood, or, at least, in the same city. Let me be where I may see
you once a day, or once a week, or once a month. Shut me not wholly from
your society, and the means of becoming, in time, less ignorant and
foolish than I now am."

After a pause, I replied, "I love you too well not to comply with this
request. Perhaps the city will be as suitable a residence as any other
for you, as it will, for some time, be most convenient to me. I shall be
better able to watch over your welfare, and supply you with the means of
improvement, when you are within a small distance. At present, you must
consent to remain here, while I visit your uncle, and afterwards go to
the city. I shall look out for you a suitable lodging, and inform you
when it is found. If you then continue in the same mind, I will come,
and, having gained the approbation of Mr. Curling, will conduct you to
town." Here ended our dialogue.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Though I had consented to this scheme, I was conscio