“Why have you detained me all this time to listen to a story with which I was before as familiar as yourself?  Why have you used the language of love, which a refusal to hear now renders insolent?”

“I have offended you, Miss Dumont,” said he, in the humblest tones; “can I hope to be forgiven?”

“Your future conduct alone can secure my forgiveness.”

“Then I solemnly promise never again to allude to the admiration with which I have regarded your matchless beauty, or to mention the love which now consumes my heart.”

“I trust you are sincere,” said Emily, not knowing whether to smile or frown upon this making and breaking the promise in the same breath.  The deep anxiety she felt for her future fate made her disposed to forget the past, and in a gentler tone she expressed her forgiveness.

Maxwell imagined that, at last, his star was in the ascendant.  His experience of woman-kind only indicated that he had been too precipitate, and that the reserve, even the refusal he had received, were only the accidents of the moment, not the natural expression of an indifferent heart.  His assurance increased as he reflected.  He was led to believe that he might, now that the ice-barrier was removed, be more unreserved in his wooing.  His perseverance had now overcome all obstacles, and the prize was in his grasp.

“I have a plan to propose,” said he, “which will immediately secure to you all your rights.”

“Pray what is it?” asked Emily, eagerly.

“As you have forbidden me to speak of love, I am placed in a very unfortunate position.  In short, you can obtain possession of your estate by returning as my wife.”

This last sentence was said in a whisper, and in a tone of assurance, as though he felt she would gladly accept the alternative.

“Sir!” exclaimed Emily, aghast with astonishment and indignation, for the abruptness of the degrading proposition nearly deprived her of the power of speech.

“Even so, Emily.  I have the power to restore your rights, and will do so on this condition.  The ceremony may be performed at Natchez, where we shall arrive to-night; or, if you fear I promise more than I can perform, I will draw up an agreement, which you shall sign, to the effect that you will accept my hand on the restoration of your rights.  I will give you two hours to think of it; and if, at the end of that time, you accept the proposal, I will at once take the necessary steps to regain your fortune, and remove the stigma which rests on your name.”

“Never, sir, never!  I will die a beggar before I will owe my prosperity to such a contract!” exclaimed Emily, whose indignation now found utterance.

“I beg madam will reflect before she decides,” said Maxwell, in a satirical tone.

“Sir, I will die upon the rack, before the hand of a villain shall lead me to the altar!” answered Emily, unable to control her feelings.