“No; there is only one way. Even if it were easier, I could not thrust her out, I should hate myself if I did; you yourself would despise me. If we could enter heaven by shutting the door upon her, could we be happy walking together in the golden streets? Would not the thought of her wandering in outer darkness come in and torment us and make us afraid? I do not grudge her,—at least, at least——” Her voice faltered, but rose again. “I ought not. I do pity her with all my heart. If I should take away the only good she has, would it not turn to my curse?”
They had risen and stood on the sand. His eyes were bent upon her; her words played on him like the winds on a harp.
“Do right; do right?” he exclaimed. “Whatever you do or say is right to me.”
Her head dropped. She lifted her hands; she spoke brokenly.
“Do not speak so; help me; I am weak too.”
He caught her hands.
“Forgive me,—I will, I will, I know I could die for you. Can I not live and endure for your sake? Look up! look up.”
She looked up and smiled through tears. He held her hands fast, she stepped upon the low rock and stood upon his level.
“Why should we mourn?” she cried. “Have we not the best things?”