Slowly it came at first! Then the full meaning of the thought flashed upon me! I could not do it, I could not! And yet it was the only way.
Renounce my name, my possessions, my identity! Go away and never return!
That was the alternative, the only way by which the houses could be united, the only way Ruth could be happy.
"I see what you mean, mother," I cried out at last, "but I must have time, I cannot decide in a moment. I must speak to Ruth, to Wilfred."
"Why speak to Ruth? You will only give her more pain. You spoke this afternoon. Why cause her to bear more than she is already bearing?"
Ruth had told her, then, and doubtless told her, too, what were her feelings towards Wilfred! I saw the truth, the force of her words, and yet it was very hard.
"I must think, mother," I said. "I know you love Wilfred the better; I know you think him far more fit to be the head of the house than I; you think I ought to make the sacrifice, but I must have time to think."
"How long, Roger? The day after to-morrow Ruth leaves Trewinion Manor."
"Leave! Why?"
"Need you ask? She cannot wait here in the house with the man she thinks she has to marry, when the thought of such a thing is terrible."