"You must not think that—I have not altered in any one respect—I would be ever your friend, ever hold a place in your heart, ever be remembered as the poor girl who would have died to make you happy!"
"But would not have married me for the same purpose," answered Sidney, in a kinder tone; "is that it, Mattie?"
"My marriage with you would have rendered you wretched—don't deny it again, Sid—I am sure of that!"
"Hence your answer. Well, if it must be, I will rest content. I will believe that it is all for the best."
"Let me tell you another reason—the last—why I would not answer Yes to you. May I?"
"I am interested in every reason," he said.
"Because you were bound to another whom you loved once—whom you love still."
He sprang to his feet, and then dropped back into his place, as though shot at by a pistol.
"Do you believe that I would come here with a mask on—a robber, and a liar?"
"Not intentionally, Sidney; because you have fought hard to keep the old love back, and to believe that it was gone for ever. You have fostered that idea by thinking uncharitably of her, by turning away from that true happiness which only marriage with her will ever bring to you. You are a man who has never changed; and in attempting to live down the past, have but more clearly discovered the secret of your life."