I was not born to be the toy and puppet of any man, far less his; to whose pleasure and caprice, in return for any good he did me, my whole youth was sacrificed.

It became between us two a fair exchange--a barter--and no more; and there is no such balance against me that I need throw in a mawkish forgiveness to poise the scale.

He has forbidden all mention of me to you, I know,' he added hastily.

'Come! Has he not ?' 'That was long ago,' she returned; 'immediately after your parting; before you had left the house.

He has never done so since.' 'He has never done so since because he has seen no occasion,' said Martin; 'but that is of little consequence, one way or other.