“You still refuse me? You yet believe I do not love you?”
“Not with the love I ask, my girl. But if I did not believe it was germinating in your heart, and that it would come pouring over me in a torrent some glad day, I doubt if I could allow you to go, Ruth! I am like any other man in selfishness and in the passions of the body.”
“Selfishness! You haven't an idea what it means,” said the Girl. “And what you call love——there I haven't. But I know how to appreciate you, and you may be positively sure that it will be only a few days until I will come back to you.”
“But I don't want you until you can bring the love I crave. I am sending you to remain until that time, Ruth.”
“But it may be months, Man!”
“Then stay months.”
“But it may be——”
“It may be never! Then remain forever. That will be proof positive that your happiness does not lie in my hands.”
“Why should I not consider you as you do me?”
“Because I love you, and you do not love me.”