Thus it fell that many forest walks and seashore strolls were taken, all
through the lovely Indian summer weather. And these seemed so much the
result of pure accident that Marian never dreamed of complaining that
his pledge had been tampered with.
But Thurston began to urge her consent to a private marriage.
From a secret engagement to a secret marriage, the transition seemed to
him very easy.
"And, dearest Marian, we are both of age, both free--we should neither
displease God nor wrong man, by such a step--while it would at the same
time secure our union, and save us from injustice and oppression! do you
not see?"
Such was his argument, which he pleaded and enforced with all the powers
of passion and eloquence. In vain. Though every interview increased his
power over the maiden--though her affections and her will were both
subjected, the domain of conscience was unconquered. And Marian still
answered:
"Though a secret marriage would break no law of God or man, nor
positively wrong any human creature, yet it might be the cause of
misunderstanding and suspicion--and perhaps calumny, causing much
distress to those who love and respect me. Therefore it would be
wrong. And I must do no wrong, even for your dear sake.
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