I could
no more drive it from my breast than I could tear my heart from
my body and still live on."
"Even if my sister cared for you," said Lillian, gently--for
his passionate words touched her--"you must know that Lord Earle
would never allow her to keep such a promise as she made."
"She knew nothing of Lord Earle when it was made," he replied,
"nor did I. She was a beautiful child, pining away like a bright
bird shut up in a cage. I promised her freedom and liberty; she
promised me her love. Where was Lord Earle then? She was safe
with me. I loved her. I was kinder to her than her own father;
I took care of her--he did not."
"It is all changed now," said Lillian.
"But I can not change," he answered. "If fortune had made me a
king, should I have loved your sister less! Is a man's heart a
plaything? Can I call back my love? It has caused me woe
enough."
Lillian knew not what to say in the presence of this mighty love;
her gentle efforts at mediation were bootless. She pitied him
she pitied Beatrice.
"I am sure you can be generous," she said, after a short silence.
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