It is good not to have your heart torn to pieces.
You know that I love you.' He was standing close to her, and put
out his hand as though he would twine his arm round her waist.
'Not for worlds,' she said. 'It belongs to the Palliser girl. And
as I have taught myself to think that what there is left of me may
perhaps belong to some other one, worthless as it is, I will keep
it for him. I love you,--but there can be none of that softness of
love between us.'
Then there was a pause, but as he did not speak she went on. 'But
remember, Frank,--our position is not equal. You have got over your
little complaint. It probably did not go deep with you, and you
have found a cure. Perhaps there is a satisfaction in finding that
two young women love you.'
'You are trying to be cruel to me.'
'Why else should you be here? You know I love you,--with all my
heart, with all my strength, and that I would give the world to
cure myself. Knowing this, you come and talk to me of your passion
for this other girl.'
'I had hoped we might both talk rationally as friends.
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