But you are mistaken in me," he added, altering his tone; "I see where the main difficulty lies.

You think I am about to delude you, as before, into a mock marriage.

But I swear to you you are mistaken.

I love you so well that I would risk my temporal and eternal happiness for you.

It will rejoice me to raise you to my own rank--to place you among the radiant beauties of our sovereign's court, the brightest of whom you will outshine, and to devote my whole life to your happiness." "It is too late," sighed Amabel.
"Why too late ?" cried the earl, imploringly.