“And if I—if I carry you off—and make every one unhappy—and put you in a position where you’d be—where you’d be done for—that’s what Annette calls it—the responsibility would be all mine?”
“I should never reproach you.”
“In words.”
“Nor in thought—if I could help it.”
“But you mightn’t be able to help it.”
To this there was no reply. I took another turn to the end of the room. My freedom of action was terrifying. Since I could do with her what I liked, I was afraid to do anything. I came back and said so.
The old Regina woke as she murmured, “If you’re afraid to do anything—do nothing.”
“And what would you do?”
“I should let things take their course.”
“Let things take their course—and marry him?”