You must look upon my conduct now as perfectly disinterested, for I have no hope.

What, then, should that conduct be in me as a generous man, which I trust I am, but to promote your happiness as far as I can?
and on that I am determined.
You say you love my brother; are you certain that your affection is reciprocated ?" "I believe your brother certainly did love me," she replied, with a tremor in her voice, which she could not prevent, "Just so, my dear Miss Goodwin; that is well expressed--did love you; perhaps it may have been so; possessing anything like a heart, I don't see how it could have been otherwise." "I will thank you, Mr.Woodward, to state what you have to say with as little circumlocution and ambiguity as possible.

Take me out of suspense, and let me know the worst.

Do not, I entreat you, keep me in a state of uncertainty.

Although I have acknowledged my love for your brother, in order to relieve myself from your addresses, which I could not encourage, still I am not without the pride of a woman who respects herself." "I am aware of that; but before I proceed, allow me to ask, in order that I may see my way the clearer, to what length did the expression of my brother's affection go ?" "It went so far," she replied, blushing, "as an avowal of mutual attachment; indeed, it might be called an engagement; but ever since the death of his cousin, and the estrangement of our families, he seems to have forgotten me.