But unwilling to give the
earl that advantage over him which a knowledge of his views in the
matter might occasion, he affected a composure he did not feel; and
with a lofty air entered the room as if he were come rather to confer
than to beg a favor. This deportment did not lessen the satisfaction
with which the brave Scot opened his mission.
"My lord, I have just seen my daughter. She duly appreciates the honor
you would confer on her; she is grateful for all your courtesies whilst
she was your prisoner, but beyond that sentiment, her heart, attached
to her native land, cannot sympathize with your wishes."
De Valence started. He did not expect anything in the shape of a
denial; but supposing that perhaps a little of his own art was tried by
the father to enhance the value of his daughter's yielding, he threw
himself into a chair, and affecting chagrin at a disappointment (which
he did not believe was seriously intended), exclaimed with vehemence,
"Surely, Lord Mar, this is not meant as a refusal? I cannot receive it
as such, for I know Lady Helen's gentleness, I know the sweet
tenderness of her nature would plead for me, were she to see me at her
feet, and hear me pour forth the most ardent passion that ever burned
in a human breast.
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