It was I that deceived myself.

I forgive you fully, and ask you to forget that to-night has ever been.

It cut me sorely at first, Alice, to hear you tell me so, but I shall get over it; the wound will heal." "Oh, Hugh, don't; you break my heart.

I'd rather you should scorn, or even hate me, for the sorrow I have brought.

Such unselfish kindness will kill me," Alice sobbed, for never had she been so touched as by this insight into the real character of the man she had refused.
He would not hold her long in his arms, though it were bliss to do so, and putting her gently in the chair, he leaned his own poor sick head upon the mantel, while Alice watched him with streaming eyes and an aching heart, which even then half longed to give itself into his keeping.