There is the
simple fact--he is married, and your name being connected with his
involves disgrace. You can not have fallen yet so far as to be reckless
about such an imputation. In my turn I say, 'Have mercy!' Do not force
me henceforth to disbelieve in the purity of any created thing."
Cecil could only murmur, "It is too late--too late!" The ghastly look of
horror that swept over Waring's face showed that his thoughts had gone
beyond the truth. "I mean," she went on, blushing painfully, "that I
have promised."
"Promised!" Mark repeated in high disdain; "I have lived too long when I
hear such devil's logic from your lips. You know full well there is more
sin in keeping than in breaking such engagements. I will try to save
you in spite of yourself. Listen. I do not threaten; I know you well
enough to be certain that such an argument would be the strongest
temptation to you to persevere in taking your own course. I simply tell
you what I will do. I shall speak to your brother first; if he can not
understand his duty, or shrinks from it, I will carry out what I believe
to be mine. I utterly disapprove of and despise the practice of dueling,
but, at any risk, I _will_ stand between you and Major Keene.
Pages:
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300