“What! don’t you mean—?” exclaimed Fanny, breaking short off.
“I cannot!” said Ermine.
“But he would like it. He wishes it as much as ever.”
“I know he does,” said Ermine, with a troubled voice; “but you see that is because he did not know what a wretched remnant I am, and he never has had time to think about any one else.”
“Oh no, no.”
“And it would be very unfair of me to take advantage of that, and give him such a thing as I am.”
“Oh dear, but that is very sad!” cried Fanny, looking much startled.
“But I am sure you must see that it is right.”
“It may be right,” and out burst Fanny’s ready tears; “but it is very, very hard and disagreeable, if you don’t mind my saying so, when I know it is so good of you. And don’t you mean to let him even see you, when he has been constant so long?”
“No; I see no reason for denying myself that; indeed I believe it is better for him to grow used to me as I am, and be convinced of the impossibility.”