I could not, if I lay upon my death bed." "And why ?" asked Lady Helena, simply, as she had asked Dora.
"For a hundred reasons, the first and greatest of which is that she has outraged all my notions of honor, shamed and disgraced me in the presence of one whom I esteemed and revered; she has--But no, I will not speak of my wife's errors, it were unmanly.

I can not forgive her, mother.

I wish her no harm; let her have every luxury my wealth can procure, but do not name her to me.

I should be utterly devoid of all pride if I could pardon her." "Pride on your side," said Lady Earle, sadly, "and temper on hers! Oh, Ronald, how will it end?
Be wise in time; the most honest and noble man is he who conquers himself.

Conquer yourself, my son, and pardon Dora." "I could more easily die," he replied, bitterly.
"Then," said Lady Earle, sorrowfully, "I must say to you as I said to Dora--beware; pride and temper must bend and break.