“Three distinct times, most firmly.”
“Why, upon what possible pretext could she have done so?”
“Ay, sure enough! Upon what possible pretext?” smiled General Conyers, ruefully. “Upon the plea that she did not love me, save only ‘as a sister or a spirit might.’ I won her respect, esteem, friendship, all but her love! She was a frank, high-minded, pure hearted girl. She gave me the greatest proof of confidence she could possibly give, and at the same instant struck the only death-blow to dangerous hopes that she could possibly strike, she told me that she could never be more than a faithful friend to me, for that she loved another.”
Major Clifton started, and grasped the arm of his companion, but instantly recovering his self-control, he inquired, in a calm voice—
“And who did she say was that other?”
“Nay, she never breathed his name. She could not have done that. She was trying to do me good when she informed me. I remember well her sweet and holy looks and words. At first she flushed and paled, hesitating between generous impulse and womanly reserve; and then as principle rose above instinct, her face glowed with an expression such as I have seen in the pictures of St. Agnes;—a warm, high, holy look, an inspired look, such as might well become the countenance of the Virgin Martyr, and she said, speaking to herself, ‘There is no good reason why I should not reveal any secret of my heart, if the revelation can help any other soul to tranquillity and strength.’ Then to me—‘Listen: You are not the only sorely disappointed one. Who, indeed, is joyous that is past childhood? I, too, have missed life’s crowning joy—the love of one I love. But what then? If we cannot have joy in this life of probation, there yet remains duty, and the peace its performance yields; and friends, and the cheerfulness their society gives; and God, and the divine comfort His service brings.’”
“She said that? She said that?” groaned Clifton.
“Yes. You seem strongly moved, Archer?”
“I am! I am! You do not know with how much reason! But go on! Tell me more of her.”
“She never breathed the name of him she loved to my ear, yet I knew her whole secret. I had suspected it months before. Shall I tell you why?”