That is all, Edith."
During the speech Edith remained standing, with her eyes fixed upon the
floor. Now, she spoke in a tremulous voice:
"That is all--is it not, uncle? You will not deprive me of any portion
of your love; will you, uncle?"
"I do not know, Edith! I cannot tell; when you have deliberately chosen
one of your own fancy, in preference to one of mine--the man I care most
for in the world, and whom I chose especially for you; why, you've
speared me right through a very tender part; however, as I said before,
what you do, do quickly! I cannot bear to be kept upon the tenter
hooks!"
"I will talk with Michael, uncle," said Edith, meekly.
She went out, and found him pacing the lawn at the back of the house.
He turned toward her with a glad smile, took her hand as she approached
him, and pressed it to his lips.
"Dearest Edith, where have you been so long?"
"With my uncle, Michael. I have my uncle's 'ultimatum,' as he calls it."
"What is it, Edith?"
"Ah! how shall I tell you without offense? But, dearest Michael you will
not mind--you will forgive an old man's childish prejudices, especially
when you know they are not personal--but circumstantial, national,
bigoted."
"Well, Edith! well?"
"Michael, he says--he says that I may give you my hand--"
"Said he so! Bless that fair hand, and bless him who bestows it!" he
exclaimed, clasping her fingers and pressing them to his lips.
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