But now I cannot call my heart my own.

I have not the affection you deserve to bestow upon you.

If I can obliterate this treacherous man's image from my memory--and Heaven, I trust, will give me strength to do so--I will strive to replace it with your own." "That is all I ask," cried Leonard, dropping on his knee before her, and pressing his lips to her hand.
"Nothing would make me happier than to see you united, my children," said Mrs.Bloundel, bending affectionately over them.
"And I would do anything to make you happy, dear mother," replied Amabel, gently withdrawing her hand, from that of the apprentice.
"Before I leave you," said Leonard, rising, "I must give you this note.
I found it lying before your chamber door as I passed this morning.

How it came there I know not, but I can give a shrewd guess as to the writer.

I ought to tell you, that but for what has just occurred, I should not have delivered it to you." "It is from Wyvil--I mean Rochester," said Amabel, taking the note with a trembling hand.
"Let me see it, child," cried Mrs.Bloundel, snatching it from her, and breaking the seal.