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Tales and Novels — Volume 06 by Maria Edgeworth
page 296 of 654 (45%)

"Oh, I recollect her now perfectly," said Lord Colambre: "but what of
her?"

"She is the woman who, I hope, will be Mrs. Salisbury. Ever since I
have been acquainted with them both, I have seen that they were suited
to each other; I fancy, indeed I am almost sure, that she could
love him, tenderly love him--and, I know, I could not. But my own
sentiments, you may be sure, are all I ever told Mr. Salisbury."

"But of your own sentiments you may not be sure," said Lord
Colambre; "and I see no reason why you should give him up from false
generosity."

"Generosity!" interrupted Miss Nugent; "you totally misunderstand
me; there is no generosity, nothing for me to give up in the case. I
did not refuse Mr. Salisbury from generosity, but because I did not
love him. Perhaps my seeing early what I have just mentioned to you
prevented me from thinking of him as a lover; but, from whatever
cause, I certainly never felt love for Mr. Salisbury, nor any of that
pity which is said to lead to love: perhaps," added she, smiling,
"because I was aware that he would be so much better off after I
refused him--so much happier with one suited to him in age, talents,
fortune, and love--'What bliss, did he but know his bliss,' were
_his_.'"

"Did he but know his bliss!" repeated Lord Colambre; "but is not he
the best judge of his own bliss?"

"And am not I the best judge of mine?" said Miss Nugent: "I go no
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