“That is the joy that I long for. And oh, believe me, I would sacrifice myself or any possession or faculty I have, if it would only add to his happiness or power. Eyesight is a precious treasure, is it not? If I could give mine to him, and endow him with perfect vision down to deep old age, I would consent to be dark forever. The power of speech is a great gift—if by the loss of mine I could endow him with irresistible eloquence, I would be dumb forever. He thinks, Zuleime, that I have talent. And sometimes I think—but I don’t know, either! Anyhow, if by yielding all mine I could add a mite to the treasures of his intellect, I would be willing to be a fool for life. In a word—if by abdicating all my being, I could add to the largeness of his life, I would glow with joy to do it.”
“Do not love him so! He will die if you do! I know it! Frank died!”
“And yet, Zuleime, it is not that I wish to lose my being, but to add to it. I do not know why it is, but I feel—not like an individual, independent existence, but like the complement of that other existence—a half life—not full and complete of itself, waiting to be joined to the other half.”
“He will love you. He will find you out,” said Zuleime. And her words, and tone, and look thrilled like a prophecy to the heart of Catherine, but she shook her head gravely, and answered—
“Never, Zuleime! It would be a sin even to hope it!——But, Zuleime, I have laid my secret on your heart—now will you confide in me?”
“Oh, Kate! I would do it. I wish to do it! But I promised him!”
“Dear Zuleime, when he required that of you, he did not think what might, what has happened. You must tell me, Zuleime. For if you have not some one with whom you can talk freely, you—I fear for you. You cannot bear your burden alone! Few human beings can! Tell me, darling?”
“Oh, Kate! It was the last thing he asked me! I must comply with his wish!”
“Zuleime! I am about to cast away all reserve! I am about to tell you the name of him I love so madly. It is Archer Clifton, your cousin—your sister’s betrothed! There! I have thrown open the very sanctuary of my heart to you. I have shown its secret sin and shame! Now, will you confide in me!”
“Dear Kate! Dearest Kate! My own secret’s without reserve, but not another’s.”