“Don’t,” he said, as a pained look passed over his face.
“I shall never deceive you, even in one thought, for I could not, even though I were to gain a life of happiness by so doing.”
“But it is true that you love me?”
“Yes, ’tis true; but now you must leave me.”
“Leave you when your heart is sad?”
“Yes, leave me, even though my heart is breaking.”
“Not until you tell me why I must do so,” Scott said, with a smile.
“I cannot tell you to-day. When I have schooled my heart to do my bidding then I will come to you and tell you that which perhaps will turn your love to hatred.”
“It will be a terrible tale that will change my heart, for earth has never held for me the happiness of this hour. There is one thought that rises and throws light over all the dark clouds—it is that you love me!”
“Be satisfied, then, to love me until we meet again, and till then let us both be happy.”