"If it were only in my power to save papa such trouble I would make
any sacrifice," cried the latter, suddenly glancing at Marguerite.
"And would I not, too? Oh! Eve," said the girl, with an eager,
hungry look upon her face.
"You can _now_, if you wish, Madge," said Mrs. Arnold, in the
coolest possible manner.
"Eve, this is too serious a matter for jesting. You know not what
you say," cried Marguerite, wildly.
"I know that you can pay every cent of papa's debts if you will only
marry Hubert Tracy!"
"Eve! Spare me!" exclaimed Marguerite, turning deadly pale.
"Yes, my dear--I knew full well that you could not make such a
sacrifice. Why did I mention it. Forgive me, dear Madge, I shall
never mention the subject again. I told Hubert that I knew it was
useless for him to urge the suit."
"And he has spoken of it lately?" cried Marguerite.
"Not later than this morning, my dear. He called a few moments after
you went away, and seemed to be in great distress at papa's
misfortune. Poor fellow, he was deeply moved, and said that if you
would only consent to be his wife that his immense fortune would be
at your entire control. What a pity, dear Madge, that you cannot
treat him as he deserves--he is such a generous-hearted fellow.
Pages:
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361