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44 "And yet," said he, softly, as though consoled by the thought, "I have given up all for you."

"I have seen nothing that you have done," she said, sternly, "and more, I ask nothing of you, save that you walk your way, and leave me in peace to go mine."

"You know, Ouida," said the man of strength, "that I, too, am ambitious; that men and women showered upon me their plaudits; that I had won a strong place in this great city. I have given up my church!"

She started in breathless amazement! "Sacrificed your wondrous future, and for me?"

And simply he said: "The price of my sin to you."

Then a deeper silence than ever before fell upon these two, and again there was no speech between them.

"Now," at length, he said, "I am ready to be sent forth with your cruel scorn, following me even to the end of time."

"I cannot bid you go thus," she said, moved to pity. "Does the world know of this?"

"Of the resignation, yes; of the reason, no."

"Then I abjure you, reveal nothing. Leave me!" she cried.

"And may I come again?" eagerly he pleaded.

"Yes," she said, the power of resistance gone, "when I have had time to think."

He left with a sense of mighty triumph in his soul.