Think not I would degrade myself by giving my heart to any one who deemed me or my father beneath his notice.

If ever eye or act can speak, I do not love in vain." "And would you believe in trifles such as these ?" asked her father, sorrowfully.

"Alas! poor child, words are often false, still less can you rely on the language of the eye.

Has anything like an understanding taken place between you ?" "Alas! my father, no; and yet--and yet--oh, I know he loves me." "And so he may, my child, and yet break his own heart and yours, poor guileless girl, rather than unite himself with the dishonoured and the base.

Lilla, my own Lilla, I have been harsh and cruel; it is because I feel too keenly perhaps the gall in which your wretched brother's conduct has steeped your life and mine; mine will soon pass away, but the dark shadow will linger still round you, my child, and condemn you to wretchedness; I cannot, cannot bear that thought!" and he struck his clenched hand against his brow.