Page:"A modern Hercules", the tale of a sculptress (IA amodernherculest00wins).pdf/63

Rh He staggered with a nameless fear.

"But you do not love him," he said. "You cannot blind me."

"I have no desire to do so. I simply tell the truth."

Nor could he fail to be deeply impressed with her simple dignity.

"Listen, woman, I care not whose heart I break, you love me! Deny it if you can!"

"If I did, what would be the difference?" said Ouida. "I have sworn to wed him. I led him on. He did not dream of me, until I made him drunk with the promise of my life. He has done no wrong. I must bear the grief."

"Then all I have given up is naught to you? You will break my heart and crush my life without a tear?" said he.

"Rather yours than his. Come, be a man; wound me no further," she pleaded, earnestly.

"I cannot break a single link in the awful chain of fate," and he bowed his head in silence.

"Do with me as you will."

"Have you still the power to marry?" she asked.

"Yes, I have given up my church, not the ministry."

"Then will you do me one last favor?" she appealed.

"Be your fate what it will," said he, "I am still your slave."

"Marry Paul and me," she pleaded, as though upon the answer depended her life or death.

"Dare you ask this of me?"

"I do, and pray you ask me not why."

"I have not the courage nor the strength," said he, suddenly, filled up with a great weakness.

"Have I naught to suffer?" she said, in great grief. "Will you compel me to go through it all alone?"