Beloved, do you think MY heart rejoices at our separation?
You bid me disregard the refusal of Lady Griffin, and tell me that I owe her no further duty.
"Adored Algernon! I can refuse you no more.

I was willing not to lose a single chance of reconciliation with this unnatural step-mother.

Respect for the memory of my sainted father bid me do all in my power to gain her consent to my union with you: nay, shall I own it?
prudence dictated the measure; for to whom should she leave the share of money accorded to her by my father's will but to my father's child.
"But there are bounds beyond which no forbearance can go; and, thank heaven, we have no need of looking to Lady Griffin for sordid wealth: we have a competency without her.

Is it not so, dearest Algernon?
"Be it as you wish, then, dearest, bravest, and best.

Your poor Matilda has yielded to you her heart long ago; she has no longer need to keep back her name.