"
"I always think kindly of you, Larry."
"Then say that you will be my wife." She paused, and became red up
to the roots of her hair. She seated herself on a chair, and then
rose again,--and again sat down. The struggle was going on within
her, and he perceived something of the truth. "Say the word once,
Mary;--say it but once." And as he prayed to her he came forward
and went down upon his knees.
"I cannot do it," she replied at last, speaking very hoarsely, not
looking at him, not even addressing herself to him.
"Mary!"
"Larry, I cannot do it. I have tried, but I cannot do it. O Larry,
dear Larry, do not ask me again. Larry, I have no heart to give.
Another man has it all."
"Is it so?" She bowed her head in token of assent. "Is it that
young parson," exclaimed Larry, in anger.
"It is not. But, Larry, you must ask no questions now. I have told
you my secret that all this might be set at rest. But if you are
generous, as I know you are, you will keep my secret, and will ask
no questions. And, Larry, if you are unhappy, so am I. If your
heart is sore, so is mine. He knows nothing of my love, and cares
nothing for me."
"Then throw him aside."
She smiled and shook her head. "Do you think I would not if I
could? Why do you not throw me aside?"
"Oh, Mary!"
"Cannot I love as well as you? You are a man, and have the liberty
to speak of it.
Pages:
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607