But
it would be well to pause before you make it final. Remember--we shall
not part for days, or months, if you send me away now. At least, you
need not fear persecution. Yet it is difficult to reconcile one's self
to banishment. Will you not give me a chance of making amends for the
folly you complain of? I can not promise that my words shall always be
guarded, and my manner artificial; but I think I would rather keep your
friendship than win the love of any living woman, and I would try hard
never to offend you. Let us finish this at once. You have only to say
'leave me,' and I swear that you shall be obeyed to the letter."
On that last card hung all the issue of the game that he would have sold
his soul to win; yet he spoke not eagerly, though very earnestly, and
waited quietly for her reply, with a face as calm as death.
Cecil ought not to have hesitated for an instant: we all know that. But
steady resolve and stoical self-denial, easy enough in theory, are often
bitterly hard in practice. It is very well to preach to the wayfarer
that his duty is to go forward and not tarry. But fresh and green grow
the grasses round the Diamond of the Desert; pleasantly over its bright
waters droop the feathery palms.
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