“I do,” she answered, quickly looking up. “God knows I do, but I cannot marry you.”
“Why, why, Maheleth? You torture me.”
“Because it would break my father's heart, and because it would [pg 527] give him reason to say I had changed my faith for you.”
“But how could he?”
“I could not leave him in misery, and my little sisters alone, and go and live in peace and earthly comfort which they could not share.”
“They are most welcome to share it, Maheleth.”
“You are too good, too noble,” she said; “but it cannot be.”
“And you love me, you say?”
“Must we not love God better, dear, dear friend? Henry, do not be angry with me. You will be my dear brother in the faith always.”
Holcombe was too overcome to speak. She stopped and entreated him to leave her.