"Love her! I hate her!" was the answer that burst from him in his misery. "May Heaven forgive me for the false part I shall have to play!"
But there was no escape for him. Mildred knew there was not; Mr. Arkell knew it; and his heart ached for the fate of this, his dearly-loved son.
"My boy," he said, "I would willingly die to save you—die to secure your happiness. I did not know this sacrifice was so very bitter."
Travice cast back a look of love. "You have done all you could for me; do not you take it to heart. I may get to bear it in time."
"Get to bear it!" What a volume of expression was in the words! Mildred rose and approached Mr. Arkell.
"We had better be going, William. But oh! why did you let it come to this? Why did you not make a confidante of me?"
"I did not know you could help me, Mildred; indeed I did not."
"I will tell you who would have been as thankful to help you as I am—and that is your sister-in-law, Betsey Dundyke. She could have helped you more largely than I can."
"But not more lovingly. God bless you, Mildred!" he whispered, detaining her for a moment as she was following Travice and Lucy out.
Her eyes swam with tears as she looked up at him; her hands rested confidingly in his.