He assured her that it was
all for her sake, and that he trusted to be able to lighten some of
her burdens when his first expenses were over.
"And mother," he said, on his last evening, "you will let me
sometimes hear of my Esther?"
"Oh, Bobus, if you could only forget her!"
"Would you rob me of my great incentive-—my sweet image of purity,
who rouses and guards all that is best in me? My 'loyalty to my
future wife' is your best hope for me, mother."
"Oh, if she were but any one else! How can I encourage you in
disobedience to your father and to hers?"
"You know what I think about that. When my Esther ventures to judge
for herself, these prejudices will give way. She shall not be
disobedient, but you will all perceive the uselessness of withholding
my darling. Meanwhile, I only ask you to let me see her name from
time to time. You won't deny me that?"
"No, my dear, I cannot refuse you that, but you must not assume more
than that I am sorry for you that your heart is set so hopelessly.
Indeed, I see no sign of her caring for you. Do you?"
"Her heart is not opened yet, but it will."
"Suppose it should do so to any one else?"
"She is a mere child; she has few opportunities; and if she had-—
well, I think it would recall to her what she only half understood.
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