| 215 | 216 | 217 | 218 | 219 |
| 1 | 61 | 122 | 182 | 243 |
|
trying to find out. And you say I loved you; I loved my
father's friend. I never loved, I never heard of, you, until
that man came home and I began to find myself deceived. Give
me back my father, be what you were before, and you may talk
of love indeed!'
'
Then you cannot forgive me - cannot?' he asked.
I have nothing to forgive,' she answered. 'You do not
'
understand.'
'Is that your last word, Esther?' said he, very white, and
biting his lip to keep it still.
'Yes, that is my last word,' replied she.
'Then we are here on false pretences, and we stay here no
longer,' he said. 'Had you still loved me, right or wrong, I
should have taken you away, because then I could have made
you happy. But as it is - I must speak plainly - what you
propose is degrading to you, and an insult to me, and a rank
unkindness to your father. Your father may be this or that,
but you should use him like a fellow-creature.'
'
What do you mean?' she flashed. 'I leave him my house and
all my money; it is more than he deserves. I wonder you dare
17
2
Page
Quick Jump
|