"
Edwin turned pale at this charge against his uncle; and, while he
forbore to draw aside the veil which covered the sacred dead, little
did he think that the artful woman meant a frailty to which she had
equally shared, and the consequences of which dangerous vanity had
constrained her to become his wife. She proceeded:
"I married your uncle when I was a girl, and knew not that I had a
heart. I saw Wallace; his virtues stole me from myself, and I found--
In short, Edwin, your uncle became of too advanced an age to sympathize
with my younger heart. How could I, then, defend myself against the
more congenial soul of your friend? He was reserved during Mar's life!
but he did not repulse me with unkindness. I therefore hope; and do
you, my Edwin, gently influence him in my favor, and I will forever
bless you."
"Aunt," answered he, looking at her attentively, "can you, without
displeasure, hear me speak a few, perhaps ungrateful, truths?"
"Say what you will," said she, trembling; "only be my advocate with the
noblest of human beings, and I can take naught amiss."
"Lady Mar," resumed he, "I answer you with unqualified sincerity,
because I love you, and venerate the memory of my uncle, whose
frailties, whatever they might be, were visible to you alone.
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