Oh, Lesbia, I have been father and mother to you; do not bring my grey hairs in sorrow to the grave.' Lesbia gave a deep sigh, and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

Yes, the very idea of such a marriage was foolishness.

Just now, in the pine wood, carried away by the force of her lover's passion, by her own softer feelings, it had seemed to her as if she could count the world well lost for his sake; but now, at Lady Maulevrier's feet, she became again true to her training, and the world was too much to lose.
'What can I do, grandmother ?' she asked, submissively, despairingly.

'He loves me, and I love him.

How can I tell him that he and I can never be anything to each other in this world ?' 'Refer him to me.