In that moment he realized fully with what a passion he loved her, and what a pang it would cost to give up the one he adored with all the fervor of his heart. “Daisie Bell, I will not release you!” he vowed, clinging to the little hand that she strove to withdraw. “You gave me your promise of your own free will, and you shall not break it now.” He saw her turn pale and tremble with alarm, and he continued wildly: “You shall not make me ridiculous, and cause the finger of scorn to be pointed at me as a jilted man.” “Oh, but I told you not to let the engagement be known,” she remonstrated. “I only told my Cousin Lutie--and I forgot she could not keep a secret--so the whole town knows it now, and if you break your promise, you will be known as an arrant little flirt.” “I can’t help it. I didn’t mean to flirt, so let them say what they please. I am going away soon, so it cannot hurt me,” she returned, in helpless defiance, the color rushing back into her face, and her eyes growing dark with emotion. Every swift change in her wonderful beauty only wound his heartstrings more tightly about her; he vowed to himself that any man would be a fool to give her up after her promise had been once gained. So he persevered. He urged and entreated, played the devoted lover to perfection. “But I have told you that I love another!” she cried, with the lovely blushes rising up to her brow. “He is gone, and you will never see him again. Let that brief dream be forgotten, and give your heart to me,” urged Royall, in painful earnestness that touched her heart. “Oh, I can never love you, and I feel I have wronged you enough already by my silly vacillation. Leave me now, for indeed all is at an end between us.” “You are very cruel to me, Daisie,” he sighed. “I know I am. I have been wicked and thoughtless to let you love me. I repent it now; but all I can do is to send you from me, and let you forget. That is the greatest kindness I can show you.” He saw that there was no use pressing her now. She would only turn stubborn, and command him to go. And he did not wish to anger her, for since his rival had withdrawn from the field, he was determined not to give up hope. Sighing heavily, he said: “This is a cruel blow to me, the crueler from being so totally unexpected. I must accept my fate, but I feel that it was undeserved.” Her generous heart was touched by his apparent humility. She felt a twinge of remorse for her apparent fickleness, and cried eagerly: “Oh, I am so sorry I wounded you! Believe me, I am grateful for your love, though I cannot accept it. But--but--I will always be your friend.” “That is better than nothing,” Royall answered, with a mirthless laugh; and, rising to go, he added pleadingly: “Then this does not mean utter dismissal? Though I am unwelcome as a lover, I may come and see you sometimes--as a friend?”