It is natural that you should think
of me only as an instrument of revenge with no more feeling than
some keen-edged weapon would have. This also is the inevitable
penalty of my course. When I speak of my love I cannot complain if
you smile in bitter incredulity. But I have at least proved that I
have a resolute will and that I keep my word; and I again assure
you that it shall be known this very night that you have refused
me, that I offered you my hand, that you already had my heart,
where your image is enshrined with that of my mother, and that I
entreated you to be my wife. My cousin alone guessed my miserable
triumph; all shall know of yours."
As he spoke with impassioned earnestness, the confusion passed
from her mind. She felt the truth of his words; she knew that her
ambitious dream had been fulfilled, and that she had achieved the
conquest of a man upon whom all others had smiled in vain. But how
immeasurably different were her emotions from those which she had
once anticipated! Not her beauty, not her consummate skill in
fascination had wrought this miracle, but her woman's heart,
awakened at last; and it thrilled with such unspeakable joy that
she turned away to hide its reflex in her face.
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