"No wonder," he said, breathing deeply, "that you never want to see him
again!"
"No, Stumpy; that is not so." Gently she made answer; her hand held his
almost pleadingly. "For a long time I felt like that, it is true. But now
it is all over. There is no bitterness left in my heart at all. We have
grown away from each other, he and I. But we were very close friends
once, and because of that I would give much--oh, very much--to be friends
with him again. It was in a very great measure my selfishness that came
between us, my pride too. I had influence with him, Stumpy, and I didn't
try to use it. I simply threw him off because he disapproved of my
husband. I might have won him, I feel that I could have won him if I had
tried. But I wouldn't. And afterwards, when my mind was clouded, my
influence was all gone. I wish I could get it back again. I feel as if I
might. But he is keeping away now because of Dinah. And I am afraid too
that he feels I do not want him--" her eyes were suddenly dim with tears.
"That is not so, Stumpy. I do want him. Sometimes--in the night--I long
for him. But, for little Dinah's sake--"
She paused, for Scott had suddenly turned and was pacing the room
rapidly, unevenly, as if inaction had become unendurable.
She lay and watched him while the great tears gathered and ran down her
wasted face.
He came back to her at length and saw them.
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