“Oh, yes,” she said, “I know that.”
“And you must not weaken, dear. You have headed that way—you must go straight on now. And I will live in your success.”
“Does it really come down to that, Anthony?”
“It comes down to that. You've got to do it, anyway—you have no choice. I am only bringing up these reasons now because they may help you to think it out.”
“Perhaps this is my real punishment,” she observed, “losing you just when I have found you.” And then the tears came to her eyes again.
“Perhaps,” said I. “Perhaps not. If so, it is a punishment for being alive, since, one way or another, every human being must face it. Every life has to be lived, you know, dear. It is hard to live a life—straight through to its end. It is still harder if one fails to live it.... And then, this applies to me, as to you. There is no more reason that you should give up the proper direction of your life than there is that I should give up mine and follow you.”
“Oh,” she said, with a little gasp, “I never thought of that!”
“It is so, Heloise. We are both positive natures. We have each a life to live. Let us try to live them honestly and thoroughly. Perhaps, in doing that, each will one day make the other happy and proud.”
We paused. And then Heloise, being a woman, turned swiftly back to the practical aspect of the problem.
“But, Anthony,” she broke out, “you don't for a minute suppose that I would let you undertake all that expense for me? You don't really think I would accept it?”