"
"You must not do that," she said, getting up and laying hold of his
arm.
"But I must do it"
"For my sake you must stay here, Larry;--so that I may not have to
think that I have injured you so deeply. Larry, though I cannot be
your wife I think I could die of sorrow if you were always unhappy.
What is a poor girl that you should grieve for her in that way? I
think if I were a man I would master my love better than that." He
shook his head and faintly strove to drag his arm from out of her
grasp. "Promise me that you will take a year to think of it before
you go."
"Will you take a year to think of me?" said he, rising again to
sudden hope.
"No, Larry, no. I should deceive you were I to say so. I deceived
you before when I put it off for two months. But you can promise me
without deceit. For my sake, Larry?" And she almost embraced him as
she begged for his promise. "I know you would wish to spare me
pain. Think what will be my sufferings if I hear that you have
really gone from Chowton. You will promise me, Larry?"
"Promise what?"
"That the farm shall not be sold for twelve months"
"Oh yes;--I'll promise. I don't care for the farm."
"And stay there if you can. Don't leave the place to strangers. And
go about your business,--and hunt,--and be a man. I shall always be
thinking of what you do.
Pages:
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609