"
Edward finished speaking, and Patience made no reply; they walked on
for several moments without exchanging another syllable. At last
Patience said,
"I will not say who is wrong, Edward; but this I do know, that the one
who first offers the olive branch after a misunderstanding, can not
but be right. I offer it now, and ask you whether we are to quarrel
about one little word. Let me ask you, and give me a candid answer:
Have I ever been so base as to treat as an inferior one to whom I have
been so much obliged?"
"It is I who am in fault, Patience," replied Edward. "I have been
dreaming for a long while, pleased with my dreams, and forgetting that
they were dreams, and not likely to be realized. I must now speak
plainly. I love you, Patience; love you so much, that to part from you
would be misery-to know that my love was rejected, as bitter as death.
That is the truth, and I can conceal it no longer. Now I admit you
have a right to be angry."
"I see no cause for anger, Edward," replied Patience. "I have not
thought of you but as a friend and benefactor; it would have been
wrong to have done otherwise. I am but a young person, and must be
guided by my father. I would not offend him by disobedience. I thank
you for your good opinion of me, and yet I wish you had not said what
you have.
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