Cherry could not help laughing, in spite of herself, for sheer nervousness.
"I think that would cure you," she said.
"No, it wouldn't. I ought to know, after fighting the thing through all night."
"But, Magnus, we used to be just brother and sister," Cherry said very low.
"No, we didn't. Maybe you think so. We're not that now, anyway, and never shall be again. That was why I poured out the whole thing to you last night, and made you sick. I wanted you to know everything there was to tell. Just how weak and wicked and mean I could be. I knew I didn't deserve to hold your hand this morning, and that was the very reason I wanted it so much."
"But, Magnus," Cherry said, the bright drops welling up again, "that 'could' is in the past."
"With the Lord's help, yes!" he answered. "I will live a pure life and a true life, even if I must live it alone. Your arrow did its work."
"Mine?" the girl cried. "Oh, Magnus, was I so unkind?"
"So kind. But I was pierced through, all the same."
"I did not mean it," she said, the tears dropping down. "Oh, Magnus, I did not mean it!"