If _she_ had not come between us, should you have loved me ?" "Do not pursue this unthankful topic," he besought, almost wishing the staring cow would run away with her.
"I ask you, should you have loved me ?" persisted Barbara, passing her handkerchief over her ashy lips.
"I don't know.

How can I know?
Do I not say to you, Barbara, that I only thought of you as a friend, a sister?
I cannot tell what might have been." "I could bear it better, but that it was known," she murmured.

"All West Lynne had coupled us together in their prying gossip, and they have only pity to cast on me now.

I would far rather you have killed me, Archibald." "I can but express to you my deep regret," he repeated.

"I can only hope you will soon forget it all.