The Hero

the hall, arranging flowers, when J

oing to se

, mo

s a go

ty was intensified, or that his very lips wer

the massive shapes of the elm trees were obscured in the mist. The sky had so melancholy

d at the Cli

told by a servant, who smiled on him, the a

riously playing scales. She wore the weather-beaten

practice." She turned round on the music-stool, and ran one hand chromatically up the piano, smiling the whil

stay here, if

otions; he felt absolutely bound to speak, and yet could not bear the thought of the agony he must cause. He was very tender-heart

a long talk with you alon

Why didn't

ifficult, Mary; and I'm afraid it mus

do you

he must get to the end of what he had to say, attempting only to be as gentle as possible. He stood up and leant ag

e been engaged for ove

es

steadily, and he

know how good you have been to my people; it was very kind of

mother, Jamie. I tried to act towards the

ilent fo

ng when we became enga

d not stop there, taking back what he had said. The cup was too bitter! But what was the alternative? He could not go on pretending one thing when he felt another; he could not live a constant

You've waited for me patiently and lovingly; you've sacrificed yourself in every way; and I'm afraid I

but she kept silent. She merely dropped her ey

funked it. You think I'm brave-I'm not; I'm a pitiful coward! Sometimes I can only loathe and despise myself. I want to do my duty, but I ca

ion, but she did not see it; her gl

afraid I'm speaking awfully priggishly. I feel I'm acting li

r cared for me," said Mary quietly, her face showing no

erstand me. If my words are harsh and ugly, it's because I don't know how to express myself. But I must tell you the whol

tle lower, and heavy tea

ce breaking; and he stepped forward, with

he said; "I di

r eyes, trying to smile. Her courageous se

ute cad!" he s

igid, not seeking to hide her emotion, but merel

ask you to release me. All I want to do is to explai

ou in love wit

N

across his mind, but he set his teeth. He h

hat you don't like which I

was more than

n could wish for. I know how kind you are, and how good you are. I think you have every quality which a good woma

could say nothing which did not seem hideously supercilious; and yet he want

g you frightfully, and I don't s

k to you for five minutes without seeing the constraint in your ma

sed you very gre

ked at her with pity and remorse.

be tamed, and led about on a chain like a dog. You think it's a gentle sentiment that one can subject to considerations of propriety and decorum, and God knows what. Oh, you d

ow what love is, James?

a chair and

Don't think I'm a prig when I say that I've tried with all my might to love you. I would have given worl

er do that. I want you to speak frankly. It is much

u with a lie in my heart. I don't know whether we can ever

lessly at him, c

coming. Every d

ld not do it. He felt an intense pity, and the idea came to him that there might be a middle way, wh

at I can offer? I will be a good husband to you. I will do all I can to make you happy. I can give you affection and confidence-friendship; but

you. Why do you hesitate now?

was

you suppose that because I am a woman I am not made

t of the other wa

yet not your wife? What are affection and esteem to me without love? You must think

idn't mean to say anything offensive. It struck me as a possible way out

who despi

ar

ould make a fuss about it. You thought you loved me, and you asked me to marry you. I don't know whether you ever re

said, hoarsely. "I wish to God I

ary thought of her mother's cruel sympathy. Her parents would have to be told that Ja

er side. "You'll have to suffer dreadfully; and

ll them the whole truth, and

me to go away

hy

ake it easi

self as if you had done something to be ashamed of. And your people want you. Oh, Jamie, you w

heir hearts upo

eal. But it can't be helped. Anythin

the time of her own bitter grief, M

urage, Mary. I've nev

I haven't the power to make you love

n't you take me with what I can offer? I promise that you will never regret it. You know exactly what I am now-weak, bu

And I know very well that you only make the offer ou

ish is to mak

e myself, too. You think that if we got married love might arise; but it wouldn

d never

the love would be all on my side-if I had any then. I should probably have grown bitter and ill-humoured. Ah, no, Jamie, you know it is utterly impracticable. You know it as well as I do. Let us part altogether.

and he took it, his eyes a

. It is still something that you have confidence in me. You need never fear that I shall feel bitte

othing I ca

trying to smile, "e

id. "And don't th

er face, bursting into tears. She had restrained herself too long; the composure became intolerable. She could have screamed, as though sufferi

e!" she groaned.

d not take part; her whole future was inextricably mingled with his. But now the years to come, which had seemed so bright and sunny, turned suddenly grey as the melancholy s

help me!"

rength to bear the woeful burden, for courage to endure it st