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After all the public demonstrations that we have made, the

slightest hesitation on your part might place my honour in

danger, by conveying the idea that I had taken a mere youthful

whim for a confirmed resolution, and that I had thus acted

precipitately; in this case, I should feel myself under the

necessity, in order to preserve my character inviolate, to reveal

the true motive--" But, seeing the countenance of Gertrude all on

flame, and contracting itself like the leaves of a flower in the

heat which precedes a tempest, he stopped a moment, and then

resumed, "Well, well, all depends on yourself. I know you will

not show yourself a child; but recollect, you must reply with

freedom, so as not to create suspicion in the mind of this worthy

man." He then suggested the answers to be made to the probable

questions that would be put, and concluded with various remarks

upon the happiness that awaited Gertrude at the convent.