Page:The Beauforts.djvu/288

 "I want to ask you another question. Why did you condemn me to solitary state in that dismal drawing-room at Beatrice Gardens, when I was longing for your——"

" Louis—Louis—because I loved you so much!"

"A queer way of showing it. Do you know, Patty, that I don't believe we should ever have been husband and wife but for Elisabeth? I will own that I was almost in despair; in short, I should never have won you to my side but for her."

"Louis," said Patty, "I want to say one thing. I am your wife now, and I am, oh! the happiest and the proudest girl in all the world; but I do think there is one girl too good even for you, and her name is Elisabeth."