“Mon ami, there is the difference in religion—”
“Bernoline, that is not the real reason!”
“Monsieur Littledale,” she said, wavering from the look in my eyes, “I repeat, I alone have the right to decide, and I do not admit—”
“And I tell you now I will never let you go out of my life, no matter what you may ask of me!”
There was a long moment before she again raised her head.
“You make it very difficult for me, mon ami; if you knew how difficult, I think you would be more generous.”
The rebellious combat in me died away before the break in her voice. I looked, and saw her eyes closed with sudden tears.
“Oh, don’t,” I said brokenly. “Anything—anything but that, Bernoline!”
“My friend, I will not lie to you,” she said, after a moment. “If I could—if it were right—I should prize beyond all things your friendship.”
“Friendship!”