Why hadn’t he seen it before? She loved him—it must be that! For what other reason would a woman do all that she had done?
What sublime sacrifices she had made, and how brutally he had rewarded her! He thought he had never heard of so generous and noble a nature before. He felt crushed and immeasurably humiliated before her—her who had almost undoubtedly saved his life.
“Why shouldn’t I make a sacrifice?” he asked himself. “What better could I do with my life than to try to make her happy? I’m not much good. I’ll never be much use any other way.”
He began to walk up and down the room.
“Of course she’s at least twelve years older than I; but she’s a charming, intelligent woman, and I respect her.”
And then the unworthy thought came to him—what a startling and distinguished thing it would be to marry her!
He stopped short.
“Mme. Sensobiareff,” he said, with dignity, “will you marry me?”
“What?” she asked with a frown.
“I know I’ve acted badly, but I—at the time I didn’t understand. I didn’t really appreciate you; but now—if you will—”