Pauline's Passion and Punishment
Originally published under the pseudonym 'A. M. Barnard'
Approx. 17,216 words.
mar our future as we will. I have chosen my lot. Recall all it may cost you to share it and be sure the price is not too high a one. Remember I am poor, you the possessor of one princely fortune, the sole heir to another."
"The knowledge of this burdened me before; now I glory in it because I have the more for you."
"Remember, I am older than yourself, and may early lose the beauty you love so well, leaving an old wife to burden your youth."
"What are a few years to me? Women like you grow lovelier with age, and you shall have a strong young husband to lean on all your life."
"Remember, I am not of your faith, and the priests will shut me out from your heaven."
"Let them prate as they will. Where you go I will go; Santa Paula shall be my madonna!"
"Remember, I am a deserted woman, and in the world we are going to my name may become the sport of that man's cruel tongue. Could you bear that patiently; and curb your fiery pride if I desired it?"
"Anything for you
