"Lina!"
She scarcely understood whether it was relief or reproach that quivered in his quick exclamation.
"It shall be just as you wish," she said, quickly. "If you claim my promise, I am yours. If I have lost your love in losing my beauty, you are free."
"Lina, would it pain you if I take you at your word?" he asked in a low, abashed voice.
"No," she answered, with gentle frankness.
"You would not despise me?" he asked, anxiously, without looking at her.
"No," she said again.
He looked at her a moment, half irresolute.
"Do not fear to express your preference," she said, gently. "Either way I stand willing to abide by the consequences."
"Then, Lina, since you are so generous, I will take my freedom," he blurted out, looking away from her, very red and ashamed. "I am unworthy of you, my dear. I see now that it was only your beauty that held me in thrall. Can you forgive me for being so weak and shallow?"