He had in nothing deceived her. He
had kept back from her nothing which the truest friendship had called
upon him to reveal to her. And yet he knew that her indignation would
rise hot within her at his first word. "Laura," he said, forgetting
in his confusion to remember her rank, "I had better tell you at once
that I have determined to ask Madame Goesler to be my wife."
"Oh, then;--of course your income is certain."
"If you choose to regard my conduct in that light I cannot help it. I
do not think that I deserve such reproach."
"Why not tell it all? You are engaged to her?"
"Not so. I have not asked her yet."
"And why do you come to me with the story of your intentions,--to me
of all persons in the world? I sometimes think that of all the hearts
that ever dwelt within a man's bosom yours is the hardest."
"For God's sake do not say that of me."
"Do you remember when you came to me about Violet,--to me,--to me? I
could bear it then because she was good and earnest, and a woman that
I could love even though she robbed me.
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