"And then?"
"One who has been accustomed to champagne from an ice-cooler will not be satisfied forever with sucking warm spring water in the sun, however wholesome."
"Ah!"
"He will grow very tired. He will not speak, but he will regret."
"Ah! he will think what he has given up; and it is so much, all in all; yes, it is too much!"
Mrs. Garrison turned, startled at the girl's voice. The lions held the gateway, sad and gloomy. Into those heaving depths behind she should not enter.
"You have not told me anything. I only got you to say it over. I had thought it all out for myself. I do not mean, any more, that Notely shall marry me."
Mrs. Garrison gave her a wild glance of gratitude, of sorrow. In that instant her heart yearned intensely over the long-limbed girl, standing so sorrowful and proud, and cut by Fate.
"How will you manage?" she cried impulsively. "He is so fond of you!"
"I can manage. Promise me one thing?"