"I know it—I feel it."
"And you are truly sorry for all the harm that you have done us in life—Harriet, I, and others?"
"With all my heart—truly sorry."
"I can forgive you, then. I have been taught by good friends to be more charitable in my heart towards men's motives. A year ago, I thought I should have hated you all my life."
He held forth his hand, which Maurice took and shook heartily in his.
"Understand me," said Sidney, still coldly, "I forgive you, but I do not need your help, and your presence, under any circumstances, will always give me pain. We shall never be true friends—we shall respect each other better apart."
"Is it fair to think that? You who have heard me declaim against my vain and objectless life."
"Yours is a life to rejoice at, and to do good with, not to mourn over. Seek a wife, man, and settle down in your sphere, honoured by good men, and honouring good things."
"Ah! fair advice; but the wife will come for my money's sake, for the good things which I possess, and which she and her relations will honour in their way, with all their heart, and soul, and strength!"
"Timon of Athens!" said Sidney, almost satirically.