Yet you complain and say that I am cruel because I take now what joy I can at so shameful a sacrifice of womanly pride and modesty.

You say that I am cruel because I cannot give you all--myself.

I would share your fortunes unhesitatingly were it not that I dare not give one thought to my own happiness." She paused for a moment to gather self-control, and when she was more calm, proceeded with her defence: "I belong to my father and to my house, and God has appointed me to lift them from their fallen estate.

I cannot give you myself, but I do give you my love for the sheer ecstasy of giving, and beg you to accept it as all that I have to offer and to give me the sweet privilege of keeping yours, which.

I know is mine, that it may warm my heart in the weary years to come.