"Miriam, you are not well--come, go into the parlor," he said, and
attempted to draw her toward the door.
"No, Paul, no! I must go out," she said, resisting his efforts.
"But why?"
"What is it to you? Let me go."
"It is everything to me, Miriam, because I suspect your errand. Come
into the parlor. This madness must not go on."
"Well, perhaps I am mad, and my words and acts may go for nothing. I
hope it may be so."
"Miriam, I must talk with you--not here--for we are liable to be
interrupted every instant. Come into the parlor, at least for a few
moments."
She no longer resisted that slight plea, but suffered him to lead her
in. He gave her a seat, and took one beside her, and took her hand in
his, and began to urge her to give up her fatal purpose. He appealed to
her, through reason, through religion, through all the strongest
passions and affections of her soul--through her devotion to her
guardian--through the gratitude she owed him--through their mutual love,
that must be sacrificed, if her insane purpose should be carried out. To
all this she answered:
"I think of nothing concerning myself, Paul--I think only of him; there
is the anguish."
"You are insane, Miriam; yet, crazy as you are, you may do a great deal
of harm--much to Thurston, but much more to yourself.
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