And the three young people, two of them trembling with affections overstrained, and the third indurated in effrontery, stood before that stern old man.
"Emily, child,"-- and he added something in Hindostanee, "have I been kind to you--and do you owe me any love ?" "Dear, dear sir, how can you ask me that ?" said the warm-affectioned girl, falling on her knees in tears.
"Get up, sweet child, and hear me: you see those boys; as you love me, and yourself, and happiness, and honour--dare not to think of either, one moment, as your husband." Emily fainted; Charles staggered to assist her, though he well-nigh swooned himself; and Julian folded his arms with a resolute air, as waiting to hear what next.
But the general disappointed him: he had said his say: and, as volatile salts, a lady's maid, and all that sort of reinvigoration, seemed essential to Emily's recovery, he rang the bell forthwith: so the pleasant family party broke up without another word..