"Never! Not for the world. My pride wouldn't let me even if I wanted
to do it, and I don't--I don't! I love the house and the life with you
even more than I expected, it's only that I'm sorry about. I _do_ like
to live at peace with all men. Doesn't it worry you, Charmion, to feel
yourself unjustly accused?"
"It would have done once. At your age. Since then"--her eyes took the
blank, far-away look which always attended even the faintest allusion to
the past--"since then I have lost the power of caring. When one has
borne the one big hurt, the gnats have no power to sting."
I looked up eagerly, but she rose from her seat, pressing one hand
gently over my eyes.
"No! Don't ask me! You have been very sweet, very forbearing. One
great reason why my heart went out to you, Evelyn, was that you never
questioned, never tried to probe. Go on being patient! Some day you
shall know. I should like to tell you now, but I can't, I can't! You
must wait. Some day the impulse will come, then it may be a relief.
Till then, Evelyn, you must wait!"