"She must love you too dearly to part with you." "I wish I could think so," sighed Alizon.

"Proud of me in some sort, though with little reason, she may be, but love me, most assuredly, she does not.

Nay more, I am persuaded she would be glad to be freed from my presence, which is an evident restraint and annoyance to her, were it not for some motive stronger than natural affection that binds her to me." "Now, in good sooth, you amaze me, Alizon!" cried Dorothy.

"What possible motive can it be, if not of affection ?" "Of interest, I think," replied Alizon.

"I speak to you without reserve, dear young lady, for the sympathy you have shown me deserves and demands confidence on my part, and there are none with whom I can freely converse, so that every emotion has been locked up in my own bosom.