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her sweet, low voice, which had a slight tremble in it as she spoke. "What have I done to offend you? You never stop and speak to me now, never call at our house, and always pass me by with a cold frigid bow! Have I done anything to offend you, Frank?" she entreated again. "If so, tell me; and I will beg your pardon, for it must have been unintentional on my part?" I was foolish, and proud, and conceited. I thought that I would not allow myself to be deceived twice. I was bitter and rude. I made a mockery of all the friendly overtures which she made so lovingly with all the coy bashfulness of her maiden heart. I could have strangled myself afterwards, when I thought it all over! "I'm not aware, Miss Clyde," said I, as stiffly as you please--just as if she were a stranger to me, and not the dear Min whom I knew and loved so well--"I am not aware that there is any necessity for your asking my forgiveness:--if you cannot suggest to yourself the reason for my altered manner, words on my part would be useless indeed!" I spoke thus harshly to her, and coldly, when my heart was almost breaking the while. "And is that all you have got to say to me, Frank?" she said, still in the same dear, tender, entreating voice, and with glistening eyes. My sternness was nearly melted; but I continued to hold out and stand upon my dignity. "I have nothing more to add, Miss Clyde," I said, with another Grandisonian bow. "Then, Mr Lorton," she said, her grey eyes flashing, and her whole dear little self roused into a fiery, impulsive little Min--she looked glorious in her pique!--"then, Mr Lorton, I will not seek to detain you further--let me pass, sir!" she added passionately, as, relenting of my behaviour, I tried to stop her and explain my conduct--"Let me pass, sir! I do not wish to hear another word from you!" And she walked, as stately as a little queen, into the hall of the vicarage, tossing up her sweet little dimpled chin proudly; while, I?-- went back disconsolately home, my heart torn with conflicting emotions. Was I right, or wrong? Perhaps the rumour of her engagement had not the slightest foundation, in fact. However, it was too late now to think about that! All was over. We were parted for ever! CHAPTER TWELVE. ON THE RIVER. We left behind the painted buoy That tosses at the harbour mouth; And madly danced our heart with joy, As fast we fleeted to the south. How
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