My father
may soon follow; but I am to be consigned to the arms of one whom it
would be folly to say I respect."
Her friend, Miss Alice Latel, reminds her that it were well not to
let such melancholy wanderings trouble her. She suggests that the
colonel, being rich, will fill the place of father as well as
husband; that she will be surrounded by the pleasures which wealth
only can bring, and in this world what more can be desired?
"Such fathers seldom make affectionate husbands; nor do I want the
father without the husband; his wealth would not make me respect
him." Franconia becomes excited, giving rapid utterance to her
language. "Can I suppress my melancholy-can I enjoy such pleasure,
and my dear Clotilda in a prison, looking through those galling
gratings? Can I be happy when the anguish of despair pierces deep
into her heart? No! oh, no! Never, while I think of her, can I
summon resolution to put on a bridal robe. Nay! I will not put them
on without her. I will not dissemble joy while she sinks in her
prison solitude!"
"Can you mean that-at this hour?" enquires Miss Alice, looking upon
her with anxiety pictured in her face. One gives the other a look of
surprise. Miss Alice must needs call older counsel.
"Yes!" replies Franconia, more calm; "even at this hour! It is never
too late to serve our sisters. Could I smile-could I seem happy, and
so many things to contemplate? We cannot disguise them now; we
cannot smother scandal with a silken mantle.
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