The
proud flash of his dark eye told how deeply his gentle nature was moved.
His indignation did not escape the watchful eye of Juliet; but he
mastered his passion, and answered his cousin in a calm low voice.
"Godfrey, I understand you. You need say no more on that subject. You
know how painfully alive I am to the obligations I owe to my uncle, and
it is ungenerous to take such an opportunity of reminding me of them.
The debt, I hope, will one day be repaid."
He rose to take leave. A pleading look from Juliet made him abandon his
intention. "Sit down," said Juliet, in a persuasive voice, "I am sure
your cousin meant no offence. Delicacy of mind," she added, in a very
low tone, meant only for his ear, "is not always an inherent quality; we
should pity and forgive those who are destitute of it."
"I will do any thing to please you," returned Anthony; and Godfrey, pale
with disappointed malice, saw him resume his seat.
"I have provided a little treat of strawberries and cream," continued
Juliet; "they are the first of the season, and were presented to me this
morning by that strangely-interesting girl, Mary Mathews. How I regret
that her father's injudicious method of bringing her up should so
completely have spoiled a girl whom Nature formed to be an ornament to
her humble station."
"Mary is a beautiful girl," said Anthony, "and has a mind of no ordinary
cast.
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