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You had risked what was dearest to you on that voyage. Your whole future life

Life is not always what one holds dearest.

[Breathlessly.] Was that how you felt at that time?

I fancy it was.

I was the dearest thing in the world to you?

I seem to remember something of the sort.

And yet years and years had passed since you had deserted me—and married—married another!

Deserted you, you say? You must know very well that it was higher motives—well then, other motives that compelled me. Without his support I could not have done anything.

[Controlling herself.] So you deserted me from—higher motives.