“On condition that you never repeat the offence.”
“You do not despise me?”
“No.”
“You pity me?”
“I pity any human being who is so unfortunate as to possess your wilful, perverse, passionate disposition. Unless you overcome this dangerous tendency of character, you may expect only wretchedness and humiliation in coming years. I am sincerely sorry for you, but I tell you unhesitatingly, that I find it difficult to tolerate your grave and obtrusive faults.”
She raised her clasped hands, and said, brokenly,—
“This is the last time I shall ever ask you to forgive me. Will you?”
“As freely and fully as a grieved brother ever forgave a wayward sister.”
He took the folded hands, lifted her from the grass, and led her to a side door opening upon the east gallery.