"I will not attempt to oppose your departure; for, much as I grieve to lose you--and that I do so these tears will testify,--I feel that it is for the best.

I owe you much--more--far more than I can ever repay.

It would be unworthy in me, and unfair to you, to say that I do not, and shall not ever feel the deepest interest in you; that, next to my father, there is no one whom I regard--nay, whom I love so much." "Love! Viviana ?" echoed the young merchant, trembling.
"Love, Mr.Chetham," she continued, turning very pale; "since you compel me to repeat the word.

I avow it boldly, because--" and her voice faltered,--"I would not have you suppose me ungrateful, and because I never can be yours." "I will not attempt to dissuade you from the fatal determination you have formed of burying your charms in a cloister," rejoined Humphrey Chetham.

"But, oh! if you _do_ love me, why condemn yourself--why condemn me to hopeless misery ?" "I will tell you why," replied Viviana.