“And whether it be wise or foolish, I have sanctioned it. I cannot now go back with honour, even if my own heart would let me. His welfare must be my welfare, and his sorrow my sorrow. Therefore I am bound to do for him anything that a girl may do for the man she loves; and, as I knew of no other resource, I come to you to help me.”
“And he, sitting out there, knows what you are saying.”
“Most certainly not. He knows no more than that he has seen me enter this room.”
“I am glad of that, because I would not wish that he should be disappointed. In this matter, my dear, I cannot do anything for you.”
“And that is your last answer, uncle?”
“Yes, indeed. When you come to think over this some twenty years hence, you will know then that I am right, and that your request was unreasonable.”
“It may be so,” she replied, “but I do not think it.”
“It will be so. Such favours as you now ask are not granted in this world for light reasons.”
“Light reasons! Well, uncle, I have had my say, and will not take up your time longer.”
“Good-bye, my dear. I am sorry that I cannot oblige you;—that it is quite out of my power to oblige you.”