"But wherever I am, it will be the same!"
"No, no,—you must forget—!"
"If I can't,—what then?" she asked, looking up into his face.
"I want you to try!" he urged.
She shook her head.
"Dear, I have lived through all this; I have asked myself if I really cared so much that nothing counted against the little comfort I might be to you; so much that the thought of what I am to you would outweigh every other consideration, and I am sure of myself. If I were not, I should probably wish to escape from it all. I am as much afraid of public opinion as any one, and as easily hurt, but my love has carried me beyond the point where such things matter!"
"My dear! My dear! I am not worthy of such love."
"You must let me be the judge of that."
"Suppose the verdict is—guilty?" he asked.
"No,—no, it will never be that!" But the color left her cheeks.