There was a moment’s pause, and then Martha broke out impulsively: “I can’t help thinking that it might have been prevented. It may be that you were too proud. Have you ever thought that?” “No,” he said, with a certain grimness. “I have never taken that view of the case. She made it so entirely plain that she wanted to be rid of me at once and forever--that there was no room for reflection on that point. If there is a man alive who could have held her bound after her words to me, I hope I may never make his acquaintance.” The appearance of agitation which had marked the beginning of the interview was now utterly gone from Harold. He spoke deliberately, and as if with a certain satisfaction in the sense of getting his thoughts into form. Again there was a pause. Then Martha said, speaking very low: “But, Harold, you are doing without love.” “I have had it,” he answered, “and what has been is mine, to keep forever. I have lost my wife, but the greatness, the exaltation, of my love increases. I have learned that love is subjective and independent. A renunciation is only an episode in it. I deserve no pity. No, Martha; never fall into the mistake of pitying me. I should pity you from my heart if I thought you would miss what I have had; and the gods may be lenient to as sweet a soul as yours. You may have the joy, some day, without the renunciation.” “I don’t want it! I wouldn’t have it!” cried the girl, vehemently. “No one will ever love me, and I wouldn’t have them to. It would break my heart. It makes me seem ridiculous even to speak of it. I want _you_ to have love and joy. That is all I ask.” “Well, I’ve had it. Be satisfied. Of the two of us,--except that you have hope, which I have not,--you are the one to be pitied.” “Oh, Harold, _don’t_! Unless you want to break my heart outright, don’t talk to me about being happy. I want happiness for _you: I’ve_ got no use for it.” She got up as she spoke, and moved toward him. Harold stood up, too, and bent to kiss her. Demonstrations between them were unusual, and it was a very Martha-like instinct that made her now so incline her head as to receive his caress upon her hair. “We will go back to the others now,” said Harold. “Thank you, Martha.” So together they went back to the wedding-party. [Illustration: “‘I KNEW IT WAS ANGUISH TO YOU.’”] [Illustration: “AS SHE HAD SEEN HER ONCE BEFORE.”] VIII