Love has been too mighty for us
both. Love has conquered us, and I--I shall never again be unhappy!
BOOK IV.
THE BRUISING OF THE WINGS.
CHAPTER I.
THE KISS THAT LIED.
East Sixty-seventh Street, Feb. 25.
He said he did not love me.
It is not true. I saw love when he spoke, when he kissed my hands. He does
love me, but he guards a man's honour.
I have broken John's heart, given up my home, estranged my friends; I have
given up even Ned for love of him. But I'd have gone to the ends of the
earth in gladness, I'd have given up for him all else in life--even my
beauty; which is dearer than life.
He'll come to me yet. Milly won't forgive, won't trust. She will not try
to understand. Her only thought will be to hurt, to punish. She'll drive
him to me again; but oh, the shame of taking him so, given to me by her
severity!
I won't believe he doesn't love me.
What have I done to be so tortured? I didn't know it was cruelty not to
break the bond with John earlier; I didn't know I gave him only a girl's
passing fancy.
It was when I met Ned that my heart awoke.
I knew that he was Milly's betrothed and I had not thought of thus
repaying Aunt's kindness.
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