'll have a host of friends.

ISABELLE.

No! no! dear Henry;
This must not, cannot be. I've given my word
To him who hitherto I deemed my father,
And who has been a father in his care--
He's dying now--that I will take his charge,
Will teach his pupils, and insure a home
To his poor wife and Alice, whom I love
As an own sister. They gave me a home,
Else I had been cast off e'en as the weed
Is cast to perish. No! I must be firm;
My duty is made plain; I must stay here.

HENRY BOLTON.

Oh! say not so, dear Isabelle! be mine.
Would you waste youth, and health, and loveliness
In this unthankful and laborious life?
No! no! It must not be; I will provide
For these.

ISABELLE.

Oh, Henry, torture me not thus
Forcing my heart to strive against my soul.
Your generous love but humbles me the more.
Do not mistake me: 'tis not pride, but duty,
That tells me we must part--and part for ever.

HENRY BOLTON.

And you say this to me! You never loved me--
While I have given to you my heart, soul, mind--
Made you the idol of my earthly hopes,
My dream of angel-blessedness above!
You never loved me!

ISABELLE (_weeping_).

Ah! it may be best
That you should thus believe--should doubt my love.
Tis but another grief for me to bear;
And I had rather suffer than inflict
A pang on you. But, Henry, if I were
An heiress, with a fortune and a name,
And friends to love and flatter me--I'd speak
Of my heart's love for you: I cannot now--
A nameless, homeless, and forsaken child.
Oh! let me be forgiven if I keep
The station heaven appointed me--alone!
Some must be sufferers in this world of care--
Victims for others, wearing out their lives,
Like the poor Greenlanders, in night and winter.
But God will strengthen all to bear their lot,
If patiently they take the burden up.
(_Weeping bitterly._)

HENRY BOLTON.

This must not, shall not be, dear Isabelle;
Hear reason, if you will not love. Last night
A vile attempt was made to burn this house,
And carry you away. Dare you live here,
When there'll be none to guard you? Isabelle,
You must be mine at once--give me the right
To keep you, like a jewel, in my bosom,
Where not an e