heart has already felt the anguish of hopeless love; oh! then if you really value me, spare mine that anguish! Give me back my promise; fly from these walls. Go, and you bear with you my warmest prayers for your happiness, my friendship, my esteem and admiration: stay, and you become to me the source of danger, of sufferings, of despair! Answer me, Matilda; what is your resolve?”⁠—She was silent⁠—“Will you not speak, Matilda? Will you not name your choice?”

“Cruel! Cruel!” she exclaimed, wringing her hands in agony; “You know too well that you offer me no choice! You know too well that I can have no will but yours!”

“I was not then deceived! Matilda’s generosity equals my expectations.”