“‘Laura,’ said I, again taking her hand, for I was once more subdued by her beauty, ’I love you with my whole soul, and must continue to love you.  Ay, were you even to spurn me with your foot, so indissolubly have my affections grown to your image, that my bleeding heart would turn in adoration to the smiter.  And I fondly hoped and believed that the passion was returned—­indeed, I had your assurance of the fact; nay, think not I design to reproach you.  It were bootless, had I the heart to do it.  Be assured that were you not only cruel to me, but steeped in crime and guilty of injustice to the whole human race, I would still be your friend were all others to forsake you.  Deem me never your foe, or capable of ever becoming such.  May heaven bless you!  We part—­but, under any circumstances, should adverse fortune overtake you and I can be of service, I beg you not to hesitate to apply to me.  You will find me still your friend.  I will not attempt to reverse the decision which you have made.  However humiliating and poignant the thought may be that I was unconsciously the means of introducing the object that influenced your decision, yet I will not murmur, neither will I become his enemy, for your sake.  I hope you will be happy.  I pray that heaven may incline your heart to be true and constant to Wold.’

“‘I hope so,’ said she in a low tone.

“‘Laura,’ said I, rising, ’you confess, then, that Wold possesses your love?’

“‘Yes,’ said she; ‘but I cannot help it!’

“‘Farewell!’ said I, kissing her yielding hand, and turning deliberately away, though with the sensation of one stunned by a thunderbolt.  I returned home, and threw myself like a loathsome carcass upon my couch.  I could not even think.  My mind seemed like some untenanted recess in the unfathomable depths below.  Instantaneous death, and even eternal perdition afterwards, could have presented no new horrors then.  It was haply the design of Providence that the thought of self-destruction should not occur to me.  With the means in my reach, I would in all probability have rushed, uncalled and unprepared, into the presence of an offended Creator.

“A fever and delirium, such as possessed the poor youth lying there, ensued.  Under the kind care of my preceptor, my malady abated in a few weeks; and, as I recovered, a change took place in my sentiments regarding the events that produced my illness.  My pride rose up to my relief, and I resolved to overcome the effects of my disappointment.  Yet my heart melted in tenderness when I recalled the blissful moments I had known with Laura.  But I determined to prosecute my plans of life as if no such occurrence had transpired.

“A few days after bidding Laura adieu, she returned to Boston, accompanied by Wold.  Wold obtained his diploma while I was writhing with disease.  Even the loss of my degree was now borne with patience and resignation.  I forgave Wold, and implored him to make Laura happy.  He promised faithfully to do so when on the eve of setting out with her.  I did not desire to see her myself, but sent my forgiveness and blessing.