"Alas, for poor human nature, if
this statement be true!"
"You still question my words, Anthony! Upon my honor, what I have said
is strictly true; nor would it be honorable in you, after what I have
advanced, to press your suit upon the lady."
"If you asked me to resign the wealth you prize so highly, Godfrey, I
could do it. Nay, even my life itself would be a far less sacrifice than
the idea of giving up the only woman I ever loved. Ask anything of me
but that, for I cannot do it!"
"Then you will compel me to do this," said Godfrey, taking from his
breast a loaded pistol, and aiming it at his own head.
"Madman!" cried Anthony, striking the weapon from his hand; "what would
you do?"
"Prove your gratitude to me and mine," said Godfrey with a bitter laugh.
"Your father is rich, mine is poor, and has been made so by his
generosity to others!"
That horrid taunt! ah, how it stung his proud sensitive cousin to the
heart! Startled and alarmed at Godfrey's demeanor, he was yet very
doubtful of the truth of his statements, feared that he was but acting a
part, until he saw the bright cheek of his companion turn pale, and the
tears tremble in his eyes. Then, all the kindness he had received from
his uncle, all the love he had cherished for him from his earliest
years, all the affection which he had lavished upon his hot-headed
cousin, united to subdue the flame of passion which for a few moments
had burnt so fiercely in his breast.
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