Not that he thought her capable of committing an
atrocity; but, turn it over as he would, there was something ominous
in the way she reserved her option. As she took his hand she felt a
great respect for him; she knew how much he cared for her and she
thought him magnanimous. They stood so for a moment, looking at each
other, united by a hand-clasp which was not merely passive on her
side. "That's right," she said very kindly, almost tenderly. "You'll
lose nothing by being a reasonable man."
"But I'll come back, wherever you are, two years hence," he returned
with characteristic grimness.
We have seen that our young lady was inconsequent, and at this she
suddenly changed her note. "Ah, remember, I promise nothing-
absolutely nothing!" Then more softly, as if to help him to leave her:
"And remember too that I shall not be an easy victim!"
"You'll get very sick of your independence."
"Perhaps I shall; it's even very probable. When that day comes I
shall be very glad to see you."
She had laid her hand on the knob of the door that led into her
room, and she waited a moment to see whether her visitor would not
take his departure.
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