"
At the last words my tremulous voice broke almost into a scream. Must I go
away--go away that he may make Milly happy?
"You will stay here," he said, his lips quivering more and more. "Why
should I drive you from home? I have lost Milly. She understands no more
than you, and I hope she never may! You need not fear that I shall trouble
you. I shall not see you again. You are maddening--no, not that--but I am
mad. Mad!"
He turned abruptly to go, came back as hastily, caught my hand and pressed
hot kisses on it. His burning eyes looked passionately into mine. He was
indeed like one insane.
Then with a great groan of contrition he put his hands before his face and
rushed blindly from the room.
"Ned! Ned!" I cried out, but it was too late; he didn't hear me.
I don't know how I reached my chamber. I fell in a heap on the floor,
shivering, laughing, sobbing, moaning for death.
Going away! I was going away from Ned! My beauty had meshed him; I almost
hated it. I saw his haggard face, I heard again his voice, solicitous for
Milly's grief. I know now that pain cannot kill, or I should have died.
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