Honor's tears fell fast, unheeded. "Only be kind to her. Let her feel that she has something to live for. At present she has nothing."
"I tell you, she is false. She has played upon your sympathies and led you to believe in her."
"I believe in her only because it is impossible to doubt her wretchedness, or her repentance."
"She lied to you!"
"She told me the truth concerning herself. She did not spare herself. Hers is, indeed, a 'broken and a contrite heart' which even God does not despise," said Honor reverently.
"You wish me to be kind to her?—Tell me how, when we live under the same roof and I can never regard her as my wife?"
His eyes gazed upon the girl's face with wistful yearning. She was his soul's mate,—she of the pure eyes and tender mouth! He could be kind to her all the days of his life. He could love and cherish her, in sickness and in health. Would to God she could belong to him!
But she was talking of his duty to another whom he despised!
Honor pleaded long with all her gentle tact, that he would try to practice tolerance and kindness. The future would take care of itself.
"Kindness from you is all she craves, and a chance to prove her sincerity."