Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/327

Rh fault as much as theirs that wrong me. No true christian could cherish such bitter feelings as I do against him and her—especially the latter: him, I still feel that I could pardon—freely, gladly—on the slightest token of repentance; but she—words cannot utter my abhorence. Reason forbids, but passion urges strongly; and I must pray and struggle long ere I subdue it.

It is well that she is leaving to-morrow, for I could not well endure her presence for another day. This morning, she rose earlier than usual. I found her in the room alone, when I went down to breakfast.

"Oh Helen! is it you?" said she, turning as I entered.

I gave an involuntary start back on seeing her, at which she uttered a short laugh, observing,—

"I think we are both disappointed.

I came forward and busied myself with the breakfast-things.