Blanche looked on the fine face of Ross with a heart full of pity, and the tears shone on her long, dark lashes, as she said:
“Mr. Graves, I sympathize with you, and I wish I might help to lift the dark shadow that is hanging over your life, and if there is any way that I can make Bessie, or any other member of your family happier, I am more than willing to do so, if you will only tell me how it may be done.”
“Oh, Miss Elsworth, how much happier you could make my home if you would. Your presence would make bright the shadows which lie around my door. Your presence would make a paradise where otherwise would be the loneliest, most barren desert.”
“Please, Mr. Graves, do not talk to me in that way. I 275 am not capable of brightening any life any further than to do my duty to mankind by helping where I can.”
“You may not quite understand me, my dear Miss Elsworth. I do not say that I dare hope for a return of love from you, but I do say that it would make my life brighter. I know that you can win a man far better than I am in every respect, but that does not make me love you less.”
“Hush, Mr. Graves, I cannot listen to you.”
“I do not blame you, but I have often wished that you were not as grand a woman as you are—that is, so far above me—there might be some hope for me.”
“I am not above you in any respect, but I cannot listen to such words from you.”
“Why not from me?”
“Because it is not right.”