Angelina: Or, The Mystery of St. Mark's Abbey — page 232: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MYSTERY OF ST. MARK’S ABBEY. 319 self. Lord Dalton obeyed, but his hopes were blighted; Emmeline informed him, that although she could esteem him asa friend, he could sever possess her heart. Had the beauteous Emmeline spoken sincerely the sentiments of her heart, she must have owned that that heart had been taken possession of by Sir Vin- cent Roseaford ; and though, whenever their eyes met, the glances they be- stowed upon each other was a convincing proof that their passion was mutual they had never spoken of it, nor had they given utterance to a werd in the pre- sence of one another, or their friends, which could create the least suspicion of their sentiments. Sir Eustace was extremely vexed at the peremptory manner in which his sister had rejected the suit of Lord Dalton, for he was greatly prepossessed in his favour, and considered himself in every way worthy of her hands aad in his anxiety to see her happy, he became unjust in seeking to bias her affections, and to make a sacrifice of her hand to a man whom she had candidly acknewledged she could esteem as a friend, but could not love. He desired a private inter- view with Emmeline; and after informing him that he, as her guardian, had given his assent to the addresses of Lord Dalton, expressed his surprise that she should so abraptly decline his suit. He then affectionately addressed her, pointed out the merits of his lordship, and the advantages of an alliance being formed between the houses ef Dalton and Arlingham, and he trusted that she would matuerely consider it, and give her assent te a union upon which, he ad- mitted he had fixed his mind, being only guided by a wish of seeing her happy. Emmeline evinced the strongest emotion upon this address. Since the death of Sir Edward, she had been used to look up to Sir Eustace not only as a father, but a brother, and it grieved her sincerely to be the means ef acting in aay way which might cause him uneasiness; although, at the same time, she could not help thinking that he was asking too much of her to expect her to sacrifice her own wishes entirely to his will. She, however, did not confess her real senti- ments, but begged her brother to forbear to urge a preposal to which she was herself averse. She admitted the virtues of Lord Edward, but told her brother that she was too young to think of a change in her situation at present, and that she had no desire to leave hims but that, if even she should be compelled to that alternative ; Lord Edward Dalton was not the man ef whom her choice would fall as a partner for life. ‘© Nay, Emmeline,” said Sir Eustace, “ this j is folly. Itic childis;. Lord Edward is a noble and amiable youth, and every way worthy ofbecoming your husband, and I cannot see what reasonable objection you can make to him. You know, my dear girl, I would not advise you wrongfully, or urge anything which I thought would be the means of detracting from your happiness, but, this alliance seems to be so desirable, that I must, indeed, request you will think better of it, and urge you not prematurely to reject an offer which, I be- lieve, will be so advantageous, and on which ? have fixed my mind.” With these words Sir Eustace quitted the room; and, with a heart full to bursting. Emmeline hastened to Matilda and Lady Amabel, to whom she im- parted what had taken place between her brother and her, and to them acknow- ledged the love with which Sir Vincent Rosenford had inspired her, but begged that they would not make Sir Eustace acquainted with it, urging them enly to endeavour to persuade her brother not to persist in wishizg her to unite herself GOMMGIOO 1(GO)