“I am proud,” he went on, not noticing her look, “that you have considered me worthy of this confidence; and, if anything could assuage the pain I experience, the trust that you repose in me would do it. Your confidence shall be inviolable, and if there is anything that I can do at any time to promote your happiness and Mr. Wayne’s interests, I pray you will not hesitate to let me know it, and I will gladly serve you both.”
Paul Tressalia did not realize what he was promising when he said that, but there came a time when he was tried as few men are ever tried; and—did he bear the test? We shall see.
Never in all her life had Editha regretted anything as she did at this moment that she had been obliged to blight the hopes of this noble, whole-souled man.
The bright drops chased each other over her cheeks as she thanked him for his kindness, and expressed her regret that she had been obliged to cause him pain.
“Do not grieve for me,” he said, gently, as almost involuntarily he wiped her tears away with his own handkerchief. “I know I must suffer as few suffer; but, Editha, believe me, I would rather you would be happy in another’s care and love than unhappy in mine. God bless you, my love—by one only love, and perhaps He will yet comfort me.”
Editha arose and gave him her hand. She could not speak; she could not bear anything more.
It was her “good-night” and “good-by,” for the early morning would find her on her way home.
He watched her until the last flutter of her light robe disappeared from view, and then, springing to his feet as if a hot iron were burning his soul, he went out into the night to battle alone with his rebellious heart.
The late mail that evening brought him letters containing important news from and requiring his immediate presence abroad. He left the next day for England, firmly believing, that he never should look upon the face of Editha Dalton in this world again.
Mr. Dalton and his daughter returned to their home in the city, and settled down for the winter—Editha cheered and happy to see Earle occasionally and to know of his increasing success.