'You thought he loved me?' was whispered. 'Oh, if he did! If he did!'
Lydia was still kneeling. New fears were making themselves heard. Was it possible for Thyrza to marry Gilbert under such circumstances, and within five days? What if Gilbert heard Bower's story? Nay, in any case, what of the future? Egremont would be constantly at the library.
'Thyrza, do you never think of Gilbert?'
Thyrza raised herself, again the look of wild dread in her eyes.
'Lyddy, I can't marry him! You know now that I can't, don't you? It would be wrong. I shall love him as long as ever I live—love him and think of him every minute. I can't marry Gilbert.'
There was silence. Lydia looked up with tearful, appealing eyes.
My dearest, think—think what that means? How can you break your word to him—now, when the day's almost here? Think what it'll mean to him. You'll have to tell him the reason, and then—'
'I'll tell him everything. I'll bear it. Can I help it, Lyddy? Am I happy?'
'But you haven't thought, Thyrza. It means that Gilbert will have to go on with his work at the factory.'
'Why? His mother will go and live with him at the library.'