Besides, goodness knows! the poor fellow's weakness is
palpable enough. No, that is not the reason. It is no guilt that
keeps his name hidden,--at least, not his. (Seating herself, and
arranging flowers in her lap.) Poor Sandy! he must have climbed
the eastern summit to get this. See, the rosy sunrise still
lingers in its very petals; the dew is fresh upon it. Dear little
mountain baby! I really believe that fellow got up before
daylight, to climb that giddy height and secure its virgin
freshness. And to think, in a moment of spite, I'd have given it
to that bombastic warrior! (Pause.) That was a fine offer you
refused just now, Miss Mary. Think of it: a home of luxury, a
position of assured respect and homage; the life I once led, with
all its difficulties smoothed away, its uncertainty dispelled,--
think of it! My poor mother's dream fulfilled,--I, her daughter,
the mistress of affluence, the queen of social power! What a
temptation! Ah, Miss Mary, WAS it a temptation? Was there nothing
in your free life here that stiffened your courage, that steeled
the adamant of your refusal? or was it only the memory of your
mother's wrongs? Luxury and wealth! Could you command a dwelling
more charming than this? Position and respect! Is not the awful
admiration of these lawless men more fascinating than the perilous
flattery of gentlemen like Col. Starbottle? is not the devotion of
these outcasts more complimentary than the lip-service of perfumed
gallantry? (Pause.
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