The
suffering he knew was true suffering. But not the less did it
become him to be on his guard against any attacks of this nature.
'No,' he said at last. 'I would not have her break her heart,--if I
understand what such words mean. They are generally, I think, used
fantastically.'
'You would not wish to see her overwhelmed by sorrow.'
'Wish it! What a question to ask a father!'
'I must be more plain in my language, Duke. Though such a marriage
be distasteful to you, it might perhaps be preferable to see her
sorrowing always.'
'Why should it? I have to sorrow always. We are told that man is
born to sorrow as surely as the sparks fly upwards.'
'Then I can say nothing further.'
'You think I am cruel.'
'If I am to say what I really think I shall offend you.'
'No;--not unless you mean offence.'
'I shall never do that to you, Duke. When you talk as you do now
you hardly know yourself. You think you could see her suffering
and not be moved by it. But were it to be continued long you would
give way. Though we know that there is an infinity of grief in
this life, still we struggle to save those we love from grieving.
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