"It is merely an imagination of my own, and relates to a person unknown to you." "Then I will enter the lists with my rival, if there is one," said he.
"Such a prize is not to be given up without an effort.

But you have not yet said that I have your consent." "Since you are so persistent," rejoined Mrs.Delano, "I will tell you a secret, if you will pledge your honor, as a gentleman, never to repeat it, or hint at it, to any mortal." "I pledge my honor," he replied, "that whatever you choose to tell me shall be sacred between us." "It is not pleasant to tell the story of Flora's birth," responded she; "but under present circumstances it seems to be a duty.

When I have informed you of the facts, you are free to engage her affections if you can.

On the paternal side, she descends from the French gentry and the Spanish nobility; but her mother was a quadroon slave, and she herself was sold as a slave." Mr.Green bowed his head upon his hand, and spoke no word.

Drilled to conceal his emotions, he seemed outwardly calm, though it cost him a pang to relinquish the captivating young creature, who he felt would have made his life musical, though by piquant contrast rather than by harmony.