The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1844-07-19

slble, obligations that can never be can
coled. Tell me, Genevieve-dear &c
nevieve for YOU are very dear to me-
tell me in what way | can prove 10 you
am not ungratelul. DO not leave me with
load of obligation on my heart that will
weigh me down to earth with sense of
absolute degradation. My life will be
comparatively worthless, unless you per-
nit me to consecratc it TO your happi-
ness
TO my happiness reiterated the
trembling girl. My happiness does
not depend on wealth or benefits. can
accep, nothing from you excep,--except
your kind remembrance, | am already
paid my wages, and my object was simply
what | said. | came TO bid farewell, and
wish you health and happiness
She was rising to go, but Hartland de-
tanned her.
Genevievc, you do not, or will not
comprehend me. ! love you, sincerely,
tenderly, faithfully
And you prove it by thus insulting
me-
Insulting you, Gencvicvc DO you
take me for such wretch Is such a
declaration insuting'
From one like you to one like me, ii
is more than iusuting-it is degrading to
one, dishonorable in the other. But il is
time should 60, if wish 10 preserve, as
source of future qualification, the re-
membrancc of having humbly admins
tered 10 the wants of one who has repaid
by wishing to degrade me-
Again she made an effort 70 leave him,
but lIart'and detained her.
In the name of heaven, what do you
mean, Geneveve what do you suspect,
that you thus reproach me with insulting
and degrading you Do you think me
such brute and villain as to do one or
the other! Is the profler of a sincere and
ardent love from an honest man TO vir-
tuous woman, insult and degradation
Is the devotion of true heart, that
would tear from my bosom il | thought il
capable of decciving or betraying one who
has filled it to overlooking with love and
gratitude, insult and degradation 2
Those alone who have seen Hariland
in the halls of legislation moving down
hearts with his irresistible eloquence, can
Judge of the effects of his words on Ge-
ncvieve.
tell me-tel me, Gencvieve,' added
he, 'what YOU think and what you fear 2
Are you not the great orator, statesman,
author! Is not your name on every tongue,
your words in every mouth DO you
not stand high among the highest of your
country, and may you not aspire to be
still higher ! and am not mental with
out wealth, name, or family to render me
worthy of sharing your honoIs No, sir
Il understand you but too well. You
would-you would she burst into tears
and could proceed no further.
Il would make you my wife, cried
HarIland, with tone and expression that
could not be mistaken. My dear, dear
wife. 10 live with me and be my love for
ever
What, poor Genevicve = almost shrek
ed she. 'Me-your nurse-your servant
your
'Preserver = interrupted Har,land. Yes,
would ensure the happiness of my flu
turc life by sharing it with one who, in
her humble garb and humble occupation,
has proved TO me that neither grace nor
dignity, virtue nor refinement, is confined
to any situation of life, or dependent on
wealth and splendor. Will you consent
to trust your happiness with me Will
you be mine forever!'
Are you really in earnest!' faltered
she with tears and trembling. what,
poor Genevieve
Poor Genevieve ARE you not rich in
virtue, grace, and beauty; and is not such
a heart and mind as yours worth all the
wide lands and rich mines of your mis-
tress, whom ! am yet to see and thank
for her kindness Yes, "Poor Gene
vieve," | am in earnest-serious and So
Tenn as man can be at the moment when
the happiness of his life hangs on the de-
elsie of moment
Geneveve wept as she reclined on his
shoulder for few moments, then started
away before he was aware of her inten-
ton, and, turning toward him as she re-
treated through the door face full of in
tenderness, exclaimed
You shall see me again and receive
my answer
Ilartland did not know exactly what to
make Of all this. But he had felt the heart
of Genevieve throb against his side, and
seen her parting look. Neither could be
mistaken, and he remained in the hap
nv authorization that all would end as he