“Even if it were right, I could not go to him,” said she.
“And will you let him spoil your life? Will you let him make you a servant in another woman’s house—a wanderer on the face of the earth?”
“He cannot spoil my life if I can only get safe away.”
“And do you not hate and loathe him for his sin against you?”
“I do not hate him. I would loathe to live with him. I think—that I pity him. He has spoiled his own life, though he cannot spoil mine—if I only get safe away. It was my fault as well as his. I should have trusted in God to help Willie and me. Then I would have been strong to resist him.”
John bent toward her and took her hand.
“Will you use your strength against me, Allison?”
“No, John. If I have any strength, I will use it in your behalf.”
“Allison, I love you dearly. Let me speak, dear,” he entreated, as she put up her hand to stop him, “Yes, let me tell you all. From the first moment that my eyes lighted on you I loved you. Do you mind the day? Wait, dear; let me confess all. I did not wish to love you. I was in love with myself, only seeking to satisfy my own pride and vain ambition by striving to win a high place in the world. The way had opened before me, and some day I was to be wise and learned, and a great man among men. I fought against my love. Are you angry with me. Do you despise me? But love conquered. Love is strong and true.”
Allison’s colour changed; and, for a moment, her eyes fell before his; but she raised them again, and said, gravely and firmly: