Pagina 389 van 483

"You well know, Victor, that our union had been the favourite

plan of your parents ever since our infancy. We were told this

when young, and taught to look forward to it as an event that

would certainly take place. We were affectionate playfellows

during childhood, and, I believe, dear and valued friends to one

another as we grew older. But as brother and sister often

entertain a lively affection towards each other without desiring

a more intimate union, may not such also be our case? Tell me,

dearest Victor. Answer me, I conjure you by our mutual happiness,

with simple truth-Do you not love another?