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The Absentee by Maria Edgeworth
Book, page 280 / 300


private virtue and happiness depend. I do rejoice, my dear Lord
Colambre, to hear you say that I had any share in saving you from
the siren; and now, I will never speak of these ladies more. I
am sorry you cannot stay in town to see--but why should I be
sorry--we shall meet again, I trust, and I shall introduce you;
and you, I hope, will introduce me to a very different charmer.
Farewell!--you have my warm good wishes wherever you go.'

Sir James turned off quickly to the street in which Lady Oranmore
lived, and Lord Colambre had not time to tell him that he knew
and admired his intended bride. Count O'Halloran promised to do
this for him. 'And now,' said the good count, 'I am to take
leave of you; and I assure you I do it with so much reluctance
that nothing less than positive engagements to stay in town would
prevent me from setting off with you to-morrow; but I shall be
soon, very soon, at liberty to return to Ireland; and Clonbrony
Castle, if you will give me leave, I will see before I see
Halloran Castle.'

Lord Colambre joyfully thanked his friend for this promise.

'Nay, it is to indulge myself. I long to see you happy--long to
behold the choice of such a heart as yours. Pray do not steal a
march upon me--let me know in time. I will leave everything
--even the siege of -- for your wedding. But I trust I shall be
in time.'

'Assuredly you will, my dear count; if ever that wedding--'

'IF,' repeated the count.

'IF,' repeated Lord Colambre. 'Obstacles which, when we last
parted, appeared to me invincible, prevented my having ever even
attempted to make an impression on the heart of the woman I love;
and if you knew her, count, as well as I do, you would know that
her love could "not unsought be won."'

'Of that I cannot doubt, or she would not be your choice; but
when her love is sought, we have every reason to hope,' said the
count, smiling, 'that it may, because it ought to be won by tried

 
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