13/50 It may be that my love exalts Master Hamilton and debases others by comparison, but it is as I say with me, and I fear it will ever be. He may be bad, but he is strong, brave, and honest. He is a man--all man--and I tell you, Baron Ned, a woman doesn't look much further when she goes to give her love." My eyes were opening rapidly to qualities in my cousin that I had never suspected, so after a moment I asked in alarm:-- "But surely you would not marry Hamilton ?" "No, I cannot marry him because of father," she answered, shaking her head dolefully. More than a month ago the Duke of Tyrconnel asked me to be his wife, as you know. |