I thought even for her I could not have spoken thus, but I gazed on my child, and remembered she too has a mother, whose happiness is centred in her as mine is in my Agnes, and I could hesitate no more.

Promise me you will not abuse my confidence, Mr.Hamilton, promise me; let me not have the misery of reproaches from him to whom my fond heart still clings, as it did at first.

Yes; though for nine long weary years I have never seen his face nor heard his voice, still he knows not, guesses not how his image dwells within, how faithfully, how fervidly he is still beloved.
Promise me my existence shall not be suspected, that neither he nor any one shall know the secret of my existence.

It is enough for me he lives, is happy.

My child! could I but see her in the station her rank demands,--but, oh, I would not force her on her father." She would still have spoken, still have entreated, but this unwonted emotion had exhausted her feeble strength.