"I do that in any case. See here, Lola," he added artfully, "this marriage register which you wish to destroy does not matter now. My grandfather has acknowledged me as his heir."
She looked at him with wide eyes and pale cheeks. "And you will be milor--you will marry Mees Vard--you will--you will--" Her mouth began to work piteously like a child being reproved.
"I will always be your friend, Lola!"
"You will marry Mees Vard?" she persisted.
"Lola," he took her hand, "if we married we would never be happy. I and you are different people. Do you wish to see me happy?"
"Ah, yes--if I die I would have you happy," she sobbed.
"Then allow me to marry Miss Ward, and give me up."
"Ah, but it is asking much--always too much."
"Well," said George, a trifle cruelly, "you offered to die for me just now, yet to see me happy you won't deny yourself anything."
"Yes--yes--but it is all so quick, my dear. Give times--oh, give times till I become used." She sobbed for a moment, then dried her eyes and sat down briskly. "I am ready, my George. You shall be happy, but you must not forget poor Lola--ah, no!"