Never mind
why--never mind Me--think of yourself. I won't take advantage of the
confession you have made to me; I won't influence you against your will.
Do as you yourself think best. But remember one thing--my mind is made
up; nothing you can say or do will change it."
Her sudden removal from the table, the altered tones of her voice as she
spoke the last words, appeared to renew Louisa's hesitation. She clasped
her hands together in her lap, and wrung them hard. "This has come on me
very suddenly, ma'am," said the girl. "I am sorely tempted to say Yes;
and yet I am almost afraid--"
"Take the night to consider it," interposed Magdalen, keeping her face
persistently turned toward the fire; "and tell me what you have decided
to do, when you come into my room to-morrow morning. I shall want no
help to-night--I can undress myself. You are not so strong as I am; you
are tired, I dare say. Don't sit up on my account. Good-night, Louisa,
and pleasant dreams!"
Her voice sank lower and lower as she spoke those kind words. She sighed
heavily, and, leaning her arm on the mantel-piece, laid her head on
it with a reckless weariness miserable to see. Louisa had not left the
room, as she supposed--Louisa came softly to her side, and kissed her
hand.
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