She had
intended to be happy with him, just touching lightly on things
which might lead to that attack which must be made on the morrow.
But words will often lead whither the speaker has not intended. So
it was now, and in the soreness of her heart she spoke, 'My being
here is not enough?'
'It would be enough,' he said jumping to his feet, 'if you would
understand all and be kind to me.'
'I will at any rate be kind to you,' she replied, as she sat upon
the bank looking at the running water.
'I have asked Miss Boncassen to be my wife.'
'And she has accepted?'
'No; not as yet. She is to take three months to think of it. Of
course I love her best of all. If you will sympathise with me in
that, then I will be as happy with you as the day is long.'
'No,' said she, 'I cannot. I will not.'
'Very well.'
'There should be no such marriage. If you have told me this in
confidence--'
'Of course I have told you in confidence.'
'It will go no farther; but there can be no sympathy between us.
It--it--it is not,--is not--' Then she burst into tears.
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