renounce the career into which impulse
has driven you. Return to your allegiance--to your ancient faith; and
believe me, that Virginia Temple will rejoice more in your repentance
than if all the honours of martial glory, or of civic renown, were
showered upon you. She would rather be the trusting wife of the humble
and repentant servant of his king, than the queen of a sceptered
usurper, who clambered to the throne through the blood of the martyrs of
faith and loyalty."

"Oh, Virginia!" said Hansford, struggling hard between duty and love.

"I know it is hard to conquer the fearful pride of your heart," said
Virginia; "but, Hansford, 'tis a noble courage that is victorious in
such a contest. Let me hear your decision. There is a civil war in your
heart," she added, more playfully, "and that rebel pride must succumb to
the strong arm of your own self-government."

"In God's name, tempt me no further!" cried Hansford. "We may well
believe that man lost his high estate of happiness by the allurements of
woman, since even now the cause of truth is endangered by listening to
her persuasions."

"I had hoped," replied the young girl, aroused by this sudden change of
manner on the part of her lover, "that the love which you have so long
professed was something more than mere profession. But be it so. The
first sacrifice which you have ever been called upon to make has
estranged your heart forever, and you toss aside the love which you
pretended so fondly to cherish, as a toy no longer worthy of your
regard."

"This is unkind, Virginia," returned Hansford, in an injured tone. "I
have not deserved this at your hands. Sorely you have tempted me; but,
thank God, not even the sweet hope which you extend can allure me from
my duty. If my country demand the sacrifice of my heart, then let the
victim be bound upon her altar. The sweet memories of the past, the love
which still dwells in that heart, the crushed hopes of the future, will
all unite to form the sad garland to adorn it for the sacrifice."

The tone of deep melancholy with which Hansford uttered these words
showed how painful had been the struggle through which he had passed. It
had its effect, too, upon the heart of Virginia. She felt how cruel had
been her language just before--how unjust had been her charge of
inconstancy. She saw at once the fierce contest in Hansford's breast, in
which duty had triumphed over love. Ingenuous as she ever was, she
acknowledged her