"I could not if I would.

I have given it to you for life, and it is beyond recall.
It is yours forever and forever--all of which my poor aching heart is capable.

Would you rather it had lain in my breast unspoken, through all the long years I have to live?
You say your love is unselfish--" "If there's anything unselfish in me," interrupted Hamilton.
"Yes, I believe it is unselfish to the extent that a man's love may be," returned Frances, defending herself.

"But if it is, surely you would not deny me the joy of telling you of mine, when it is all the happiness I shall ever know my whole life through.

You say, with truth, I believe, that you would not permit me to share your fate if I would, because you fear to make me unhappy.