"If Helen comes, you surely won't stand aside?"
"But will she come? Have you asked her?"
His face clouded for a moment with a genuine look of pain.
"Don't you both wish to marry with clean hearts?"
"Yes," I answered, "and we shall. That is why I can't lie to please you."
I knew my retort was unfair, but I wanted him also to see my side. He stood a while looking down at me. It was clear there was nothing theatrical about this man's faith, however like an actor he might look. I knew he wanted to reach out to me and hold me with the faith that held him. Yet I could not yield. Had he perhaps been less in earnest, less sincere, I might have offered him lip-service for the sake of peace. His very strength gave me strength to resist. It had to be all or nothing. I got to my feet.
"I am sorry," I said, holding out my hand.
"I think you are, Edward," he answered, taking my hand in a firm grip. "You'll not urge Helen against it?"
"Helen's conscience is her own."
"Come, that's a good beginning. And because you are sorry to refuse, I have still hope." He smiled at me. I shook my head.