Willcoxen had sworn to
make you his heir only upon condition of your finding a bride of equal
or superior fortunes. If now you were to engage yourself to me, your
grandfather would disinherit you. I love you too well," she murmured
very low, "to ruin your fortunes. You must not bind yourself to me just
now, Thurston."
And this loving, frank and generous creature was the woman, he thought,
whose good name he would have periled in a clandestine courtship in
preference to losing his inheritance by an open betrothal. A stab of
compunction pierced his bosom; he felt that he loved her more than ever,
but passion was stronger than affection, stronger than conscience,
stronger than anything in nature, except pride and ambition. He
lightened his clasp about her waist--he bent and whispered:
"Beloved Marian, is it to bind me only that you hesitate?"
"Only that," she answered, softly.
"Now hear me, Marian. I swear before Heaven, and in thy sight--that--as
I have never loved woman before you--that--as I love you only of all
women--I will be faithful to you while I live upon this earth! as your
husband, if you will accept me; as your exclusive lover, whether you
will or not! I hold myself pledged to you as long as we both shall live!
There, Marian! I am bound to you as tight as vows can bind! I am pledged
to you whether you accept my pledge or not.
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