"I have known since—since that night," she replied.
"The one argument I have to offer," he said, smiling, "is that in spite of the unpromising outlook, I happen to be the only man on earth who could make you happy."
"You might have been once," she responded.
"And if once, why not now? Is not forever as good as yesterday?"
"Do you know why?" she answered, turning upon him in sudden passion. "You think I am brave and yet I am afraid—afraid, though I won't admit it, every minute that I live. I walk the streets in terror of a memory."
"But I do not," he answered quietly. "Do you doubt my power to keep what I have won—my dearest?"
At the word the colour rose to her cheek, but as they reached Gerty's door, she stopped and put her hand into the one which he held out.
"Like everything else it has come too late," she said.
He shook his head, and then pressing her hand, let it fall.
"I can be patient a little longer," he responded before he turned away.