“But I have suffered so much, and I come back to you asking your forgiveness.”
“That I have freely granted. My home is yours while you desire it; and every comfort that you may ask shall be yours. No wish shall be denied, but my love for you, Irene, is dead.”
She threw aside her bonnet, and clasping her hands, and falling upon her knees before him, she cried out:
“Oh, Scott, is there no way that I can bury the past, and regain the love that I have lost?”
“None,” he answered firmly. “No, do not touch me. It is asking a great deal, Irene, and I am only human. How can you expect me to forget the sorrows which you have caused me? You come back to me a woman wrecked in body and soul, and you ask me to give again the love that you trampled to the dust.”
“Oh, I did not know how much I was throwing away.”
“You have learned it, then, when it is too late, and repentance comes when there is no chance for redress. Your home is here while you wish to remain. Try and be content if you can, but let us meet as strangers. 253 When this interview is ended there is but one word to say.”
“What is that?” she asked hurriedly.
“Farewell!”
“I shall have to die all alone, without even your voice to go with me down to the dark grave. Oh, God, it’s terrible to die.”