But you are my only son, and I do love you,
Henry, whatever may be your opinion on that point; and, because I
love you, I would rather, far rather, be a lonely, childless woman in
the world, I would far rather see you dead on this floor, than see
you marry Winifred Wynne.'
'Ah! mother, the cruelty of this family pride has always been the
curse of the Aylwins.'
'It seems cruel to you now, because you are a boy, a generous boy.
You think it the romantic, poetic thing to elevate a low girl to your
own station--perhaps even to show your superiority to conventions by
marrying the daughter of the miscreant who has desecrated your own
father's tomb. But, Henry, I know the race to which you and I belong.
In five years' time--in three years, or perhaps in two--you will
thank me for this; you will say: "My mother's love was not cruel, but
wise."'
'Oh, mother!' I said, '_any_ condition but that.'
'I see that you know what my condition is before I utter it. If you
will give me your word--and the word of an Aylwin is an oath--if you
will give me your word that you will never marry Winifred Wynne, I
will do as you desire.
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