leasantness
that my coming has given to the old countess. I wouldn't boast in this
way to any one else, Hepworth; but these things make me proud and
happy, so I tell them to you, as I whisper it to myself. When I first
came here, it was with the resolution of appealing to grandmamma against
Lord Hope's opposition to us, and, if she went against me, to throw up
everything, and set them all at defiance. But one must have a hard
nature to attempt such harsh measures with that sweet old lady. It would
break my heart to leave her--wound my conscience to give her a moment's
pain. As for her title and her wealth, I tell you, honestly, they are
encumbrances I do not want. A thousand times, rather, would I have her
consent, with that of my father, and freedom to go with you where we
pleased. I want no greatness or power for myself, unless it comes
through the man I love; but for you, Hepworth, I am ambitious, and would
rather a thousand times go to America, and share the honors which your
own genius would be sure to win, as plain Mrs. Closs, than stay here as
mistress of Houghton, a countess in my own right, and you only
recognized as the husband of Lady Carset."

The hot color came and went in her lover's face as Clara spoke out the
thoughts that haunted her about the future--his own thoughts expressed
through her girlish lips. He turned suddenly, took her hands, and kissed
them both with passionate warmth.

"Oh, if they would but give you up with nothing but this glorious
freedom, I should not have another wish on earth; but they are about to
bury you so deep beneath their wealth and titles that I may not be able
to find my love when I ask for her."

Clara smiled.

"You shall never ask for me that I will not come. There is not in all
England wealth or honors enough to buy me out of your reach. Only let us
wait patiently a little while longer."

"Sweet child! generous woman! Jacob never served more faithfully for his
love than I am willing to wait for mine. Only this, we must not be kept
apart."

"We will not be kept apart. Our souls belong to each other. No person on
earth shall enthrall them."

"Then I am content; all the more because I know what utter desolation
absence is. Ah, Clara, it seemed like an opening from Paradise when you
wrote me to come here! Heaven knows where I should have been now but for
that blessed note!"

"But you are here, safe and well, for which the good God be thanked!
Everything has happen