Put an end to it--see his mother, and inform her, without loss of time, of the unalterable determination I have made.

Do not palter with them, father---do not, mother; and above all things, don't attempt to sacrifice the happiness of your only daughter.

I could make any sacrifice for your happiness but this; and if, in obedience to your wishes, I made it, I can tell you that I would soon be with my sister.
You both know that I am not strong, and that I am incapable of severe struggles.

Don't, then, harass me upon this matter." She here burst into tears, and for a few minutes wept bitterly.
"We must give it up," said her father, looking at Mrs.Goodwin." "No such thing," replied his wife; "think of our own case, and how happy we have been in spite of ourselves." "Ay, but we were neither of us fools, Martha; at least you were not, or you would never have suffered yourself to be persuaded into matrimony, as you did at last.

There was, it is true, an affected frown upon your brow; but then, again, there was a very sly smile under it.