"Must I remind you of what you owe to your high position, your spotless integrity, your famous name?
Think of all that you have done for me, and then think of the black ingratitude of it if I ruin you for life by consenting to our marriage--if I selfishly, cruelly, wickedly, drag you down to the level of a woman like me!" "I raise you to _my_ level when I make you my wife," he answered.
"For Heaven's sake do me justice! Don't refer me to the world and its opinions.

It rests with you, and you alone, to make the misery or the happiness of my life.

The world! Good God! what can the world give me in exchange for You ?" She clasped her hands imploringly; the tears flowed fast over her cheeks.
"Oh, have pity on my weakness!" she cried.

"Kindest, best of men, help me to do my hard duty toward you! It is so hard, after all that I have suffered--when my heart is yearning for peace and happiness and love!" She checked herself, shuddering at the words that had escaped her.
"Remember how Mr.Holmcroft has used me! Remember how Lady Janet has left me! Remember what I have told you of my life! The scorn of every creature you know would strike at you through me.

No! no! no! Not a word more.