[Westward Ho! by Charles Kingsley]@TWC D-Link bookWestward Ho! CHAPTER IV 9/29
Nevertheless, like a rabbit who runs squealing round and round before the weasel, into whose jaws it knows that it must jump at last by force of fascination, he parried and parried, and pretended to be stupid, and surprised, and honorably scrupulous, and even angry; while every question as to her being married or single, Catholic or heretic, English or foreign, brought his tormentor a step nearer the goal.
At last, when Campian, finding the business not such a very bad one, had asked something about her worldly wealth, Eustace saw a door of escape and sprang at it. "Even if she be a heretic, she is heiress to one of the wealthiest merchants in Devon." "Ah!" said Campian, thoughtfully.
"And she is but eighteen, you say ?" "Only eighteen." "Ah! well, my son, there is time.
She may be reconciled to the Church: or you may change." "I shall die first." "Ah, poor lad! Well; she may be reconciled, and her wealth may be of use to the cause of Heaven." "And it shall be of use.
Only absolve me, and let me be at peace.
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