"Instead of wasting your love upon Reginald Eversleigh, who is not
worthy a moment's consideration from you, give at least your esteem and
respect to the honourable and unselfish man who truly loves you.
Instead of flying from England, a ruined woman, branded with the name
of cheat and swindler, remain as the affianced wife of Douglas Dale--
remain to prove to Reginald Eversleigh that there are those in the
world who know how to value the woman he has despised."
"Yes, he has despised me," murmured Paulina, speaking to herself rather
than to her companion; "he has despised me. He left me alone in this
dreary house; in the Christmas festival time, when friends and lovers
draw nearer together all the world over, united by the sweet influences
of the season; he left me to sit alone by this desolate hearth, while
he made merry with his friends--while he sunned himself in the smiles
of happier women. What truth can he claim from me--he who has been
falsehood itself?"
She remained silent for some minutes after this, with her eyes fixed on
the fire, her thoughts far away. Victor did not arouse her from that
reverie. He knew that the work he had to do was progressing rapidly.
He felt that he was moulding this proud and passionate woman to his
will, as the sculptor moulds the clay which is to take the form of his
statue.
At last she spoke.
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