"Because--because it was imperative. Because I knew that I did not love
you."
"But will you never do so?" I asked in desperation. "Will you never
give me hope? I am content to wait, only tell me that you will still
remember me, and try to think of me with thoughts of love."
"To entertain vain hope is altogether useless," she answered
philosophically.
"Then you actually love this man?" I inquired bitterly. "You have
allowed him to worm himself into your heart by soft glances and softer
speeches; to absorb your thoughts and to kiss your lips, without
troubling to inquire if he is worthy of you, or if he is honest, manly,
and upright? Why have you thus abandoned prudence?"
"I have not abandoned prudence," she answered, a trifle indignantly, at
the same time extricating her arm from mine. "I should certainly do so
were I to consent to become yours."