You will oblige me very much, then, if in future you forbear to introduce this subject.

Consider it a forbidden one, so far as I am concerned, for I feel quite unworthy of so gifted and accomplished a gentleman as Mr.Burke." "You will not discard me surely, Miss Clinton ?" "On that subject, unquestionably." "No, no, my dear Miss Clinton, you will not say so; do not be so cruel; you will distress me greatly, I assure you.

I am very much deficient in firmness, and your cruelty will afflict me and depress my spirits." "I trust not, Mr.Burke.Your spirits are naturally good, and I have no doubt but you will ultimately overcome this calamity--at least I sincerely hope so." "Ah, Miss Clinton, you little know the heart I have, nor my capacity for feeling; my feelings, I assure you, are exceedingly tender, and I get quite sunk under disappointment.

Come, Miss Clinton, you must not deprive me altogether of hope; it is too cruel.

Do not say no forever." The arch girl shook her head with something of mock solemnity, and replied, "I must indeed, Mr.Burke; the fatal no must be pronounced, and in connection with forever too; and unless you have much virtue to sustain you, I fear you run a great risk of dying a martyr to a negative.