to your side long ago.
That Mr. Vigors should have presumed to cancel my recommendation to a
settler on the Hill was an act of rebellion, and involved the honour
of my prerogative; but I suppressed my indignation at an affront so
unusual, partly out of pique against yourself, but much more, I think,
out of regard for you."

"I understand. You detected the secret of my heart; you knew that Mrs.
Ashleigh would not wish to see her daughter the wife of a provincial
physician."

"Am I sure, or are you sure, that the daughter herself would accept that
fate; or if she accepted it, would not repent?"

"Do you not think me the vainest of men when I say this,--that I cannot
believe I should be so enthralled by a feeling at war with my reason,
unfavoured by anything I can detect in my habits of mind, or even by the
dreams of a youth which exalted science and excluded love, unless I was
intimately convinced that Miss Ashleigh's heart was free, that I could
win, and that I could keep it! Ask me why I am convinced of this, and I
can tell you no more why I think that she could love me than I can tell
you why I love her!"

"I am of the world, worldly; but I am a woman, womanly,--though I may
not care to be thought it. And, therefore, though what you say is,
regarded in a worldly point of view, sheer nonsense, regarded in a
womanly point of view, it is logically sound. But still you cannot know
Lilian as I do. Your nature and hers are in strong contrast. I do not
think she is a safe wife for you. The purest, the most innocent creature
imaginable, certainly that, but always in the seventh heaven; and you
in the seventh heaven just at this moment, but with an irresistible
gravitation to the solid earth, which will have its way again when
the honeymoon is over--I do not believe you two would harmonize by
intercourse. I do not believe Lilian would sympathize with you, and I am
sure you could not sympathize with her throughout the long dull course
of this workday life. And, therefore, for your sake, as well as hers, I
was not displeased to find that Dr. Jones had replaced you; and now, in
return for your frankness, I say frankly, do not go again to that house.
Conquer this sentiment, fancy, passion, whatever it be. And I will
advise Mrs. Ashleigh to take Lilian to town. Shall it be so settled?"

I could not speak. I buried my face in my hands-misery, misery,
desolation!

I know not how long I remained thus silent, perhaps many minutes