To a scoundrel such as I was too readily brought to believe him, the act of which you have just told me would have been impossible." "That is my own opinion," said his lordship gently.
"It must be.

But even if it were not, that would now weigh for nothing.
What weighs--oh, so heavily and bitterly--is the thought that but for the words in which yesterday I repelled him, he might have been saved.
If only I could have spoken to him again before he went! I waited for him; but my uncle was with him, and I had no suspicion that he was going away again.

And now he is lost--back at his outlawry and piracy, in which ultimately he will be taken and destroyed.

And the fault is mine--mine!" "What are you saying?
The only agents were your uncle's hostility and his own obstinacy which would not study compromise.

You must not blame yourself for anything." She swung to him with some impatience, her eyes aswim in tears.