After taking a sufficient time to collect
in some degree his faculties, he came to the
conclusion that he had been too precipitate, and
had urged the suit too far, and too hastily.
"Such may be your sentiments now, Miss Henley,"
he said, "but you may alter them in time: you are
not called on for a definite answer."
"If not by you, I am by truth, Mr. Delafield. It would
be wrong to lead you to expect what can never--"
"Never?" said Delafield--"you cannot speak so
decidedly."
"I do, indeed I do," returned Charlotte firmly.
"I have not deceived myself in believing you to be
disengaged, Miss Henley?"
"You have a right to require a definite answer to
your questions, Mr. Delafield; but you have no right
to exact my reasons for declining your very
flattering offer--I am young, very young--but I know
what is due to myself and to my sex--"
"By heavens! my suspicion is true--you are already
betrothed!"
"It would be easy to say NO to that assertion, sir,"
added Charlotte, rising; "but your right to a reason
in a matter where inclination is so material, is
exactly the same as my right would be to ask you
why you did not address me. I thank you for the
preference you have shown me, Mr. Delafield. I
have not so little of the woman about me, not to
remember it always with gratitude; but I tell you
plainly and firmly, for it is necessary that I should
do so--I never can consent to receive your
proposals.
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