"'How could I live without you?'
"And the fire instantly reappeared in her glance and lit up her face, which, in its changing expression, revealed her thoughts. I could not fail to notice it.
"'Never mention this marriage to me again,' she said.
"I had recovered possession of myself and pleaded another cause.
"'It is not a question of myself, Anne. This marriage would give you, if not the joy of youth, at least peace and that distraction which one readily finds in a circle suitable to one's tastes and personal value.'
"'You no longer love me?'
"'There was no question of my love,' I said.
"'You would give it up? I am no longer capable of a sacrifice. Life has demanded top many of me.'
"'From you?'
"'You did not understand? For ten years...."