One may wish to go one way, and be swept another, especially when the mooring line is slack." His breast rose and fell at a quick, agitated breath.

"But promise me that you'll not speak of this to Ruth." "The very thing to bring her round, perhaps." "More likely to fill her with despair." This was something Imogene could not grasp.

It was so inexplicable, so extravagant, so perverse, that her cheeks grew hot.
"I can't follow you at all," she cried, indignantly.

"Ruth alarmed, jealous, in doubt--yes, I can credit her with any one of those feelings.

But despair! She lays her plans too far ahead to be led into despair." "Even if she knew I had ceased to love her?
When she understood our marriage would be a hollow ceremony ?" "Would it be that if you succeed with your project ?" Bryant's eyes blazed suddenly.
"Great God, you talk as if she were to marry the canal!" he exclaimed.
He glowered for a time.