“Well, Norman,” he said sadly, for he was grieved to see how reckless his brother had become under the influence of this passion, “I cannot tell you how shocked I am by what you have told me regarding your feelings toward Miss Rochester. If I thought that she loved you in return, and would be happier as your wife, I would willingly release her from her pledge to me; for, believe me, the money is, comparatively, of little consequence to me. Indeed I would most cheerfully transfer my right to it to you, if that would answer the same purpose, and the requirements of the will, and make you both happy.” “Would you?” eagerly demanded the young man, brightening visibly. “Then prove it—renounce it and Sadie at the same time, and I swear that I will leave all my past life behind me and become a good man. I am simply desperate, True—I am pleading for life, home, happiness; you have no idea how much is involved, for I idolize this girl; she will either be my salvation or prove my ruin. True, will you give me my bride and save my soul?” Dr. Winthrop arose and grasped his brother’s hand. He was deeply moved by this appeal, and for a moment he could not speak, while a thrill of joy agitated every fibre of his being at the prospect of his own escape from this hated marriage. “Yes,” he said at length, “at least I will give you a chance, if you think there is one for you. Miss Rochester knows that I do not love her as a man ought to love his wife; and I am willing to tell her that I would prefer to forfeit the fortune rather than marry her if she entertains anything of affection for you. I will submit the matter for her decision, but you must make up your mind to abide by it, for I cannot honorably retreat from the engagement if she sees fit to hold me to it. Believe me, Norman, I would gladly give you both fortune and bride if I could, but since I cannot, your fate must hinge upon Miss Rochester’s fiat.” “Then I am lost,” cried Norman Winthrop, reeling where he stood, “for if you submit the question to her, she will choose to be your wife and not mine. Break the engagement yourself, and, with no hope before her of winning these fortunes, she will be driven to me.” “I cannot do that, Norman. I see no honorable way in which I can withdraw from my engagement to her, and I am surprised at you. I cannot understand how you would be willing to marry a woman who was driven to you, as you express it, by being thrust from another,” Dr. Winthrop concluded with some scorn, even though he deeply sympathized with his brother. “You do not know what it is to love as I love,” he cried hoarsely—“and you will not break with her?” “I must not.” “Then it doesn’t matter how quick I go to——” The last word was almost inarticulate, as he turned and rushed from the room, slamming the door violently behind him. CHAPTER XXXVII. DR. WINTHROP HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH MISS ROCHESTER.