"Yes, Claude, as quite final," I replied; "you will never be able to move me from my resolution, dear Claude. But you will not let our old friendship end, will you? Why should we not be brother and sister to each other still?"
"Oh! There are two sides to that question," said Claude, proudly. "I keep out of the way of those who think themselves too good to associate with me. There are plenty of other people who will be glad of my friendship."
And so Claude left me without another word. He went out of the room, slamming the door after him, and a moment afterwards I saw him hastily cross the lawn, and go out at the garden gate. And I knew, as well as if I could read the future, that that was the last time I should see him pass through that gate.
For Claude's was a proud, imperious nature, and the more I thought the matter over, the more I felt sure that his pride was wounded, quite as much, if not more, than his affection. He had thought it next to impossible that any one, and above all a poor, friendless girl like myself, should refuse to be his wife. He had found he was mistaken, and he was mortified and vexed at the discovery.
When I was left alone, I felt as if I had gone through a great storm, and had come out of it wearied and exhausted. My mind was too tired even to pray. I pushed aside the letters I was writing, and looked out over the distant hills. But after a time, when I was calmer and in a more restful state of mind, I opened my Bible at the place where it had been so often opened the last two days, and read again my Master's word of command.
And then I was enabled, though with tears in my eyes, to thank Him that through His grace I had been strengthened to keep it.
This time I read the whole passage through to the end of the chapter.
The last two verses were the very words I needed just then:
"Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
The Master's call—"Come out from among them." The Master's promise—"I will receive you."