| | 1 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Edward Manning, or, The bride and the maiden  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | In a narrow cross-way that leads from the Court House Square
northward losing itself in Old Cornhill, there stands, or did stand
at the period of our story, a low wooden edifice, without any thing
particuliar to draw the attention of the eyes of the passers-by save
its antiquity and dilapidated condition. “I have at length decided, since my last interview with
you, to give up all hopes of being happy with a wife I cannot love.
My heart, as I told you is with the beautiful Caroline Kent. I dare
not see her until I know she still loves me; for I fear that her love
may have turned to hatred! But if you can, I wish you to see her
and ascertain whether she still retains affection for me. Tell her
from me, that I think only of her; and that if she will be mine, in
the flowery chains of mutual love, I will sacrifice honor, reputation,
everything to her! Before you see her, call on me at eight in the
evening when I will see you privately in my library. “This will be handed to you by my confident, the
bearer, only in case he discovers that you still remember me with
affection. Therefore, if your eyes fall upon these words I shall
know that I am writing to one who still loves. I have much to
lament; I have been deceived and given my hand where my heart
would not follow. How could I give that which was not mine to
give? I cannot in words upon paper tell you how much I love you.
You are dearer to me than any object on earth. If you love me
and can forgive the past, forgive me for preferring another to you,
I am ready to cast myself at your feet; do not deny me this happiness,
until at least, I have seen you and spoken with you and plead
for myself. If you will see me, write to me by the bearer. Write
and tell me when I may have the bliss of seeing you. I shall wait
with impatience till I know my fate! Fear no rival! My hand
and heart are free! nay, they are free only to be your slaves.
Farewell till we meet, “The past is forgotten. Your note has made me the
happiest of beings; you ask me if I have forgotten you? Oh, no!
you have daily been dearer and dearer to me! I can scarcely
write for trembling with joy; I will come to you, I will be yours
forever! I have no heart, no thought, no will but for you! Do
not delay the bearer, let me see you at once that my happiness may
have its sweet confirmation in your presence. “I will see you to-night. The bearer will show you a private
way, for I wish no one to see you come hither! I will await you
in my study. Regard for your honor and happiness prompt me
to make known to you what intimately concerns your peace.
Your husband has been long false to you! You have proof of it in
the enclosed notes to Miss Kent! If you require further proof you
will find her now in his study, the usual place of their secret meetings!” | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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