I wish to
place you in a position very different from that which you now occupy;
but it would be folly to interest myself in a person of whose history I
positively know nothing."
"Then dismiss from your mind all thoughts of me, and let me go my own
way," answered the girl, with that calm pride of manner which imparted
a singular charm to her beauty. "I shall leave this house grateful and
contented; I have asked nothing from you, nor did I intend to ask
anything. You have been very good to me; you took compassion upon me in
my misery, and I have been accustomed to see people of your class pass
me by. Let me thank you for your goodness, and go on my way." So
saying, she rose, and turned as if to leave the room.
"No!" cried Sir Oswald, impetuously; "I cannot let you go. I must help
you in some manner--even if you will throw no light upon your past
existence; even if I must act entirely in the dark."
"You are too good, sir," replied the girl, deeply touched; "but
remember that I do not ask your help. My history is a terrible one. I
have suffered from the crimes of others; but neither crime nor
dishonour have sullied my own life. I have lived amongst people I
despised, holding myself aloof as far as was possible. I have been
laughed at, hated, ill-used for that which has been called pride; but I
have at least preserved myself unpolluted by the corruption that
surrounded me.
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