(She grew paler than ever, and shuddered visibly.) And
you are not patient, Guy, dear; but you would be this time, would you
not? Only think how it would grieve me if--"
The deep hollow cough that she had tried hard to keep back _would_
break in here.
"You can not doubt me," Guy replied, caressing her fondly: "I promise
that nothing he can say or do shall tempt me to defend myself by word or
deed. How could I, even if you had not asked this? Has he not bitter
cause? Ask me something harder, my own!"
Constance hesitated; then she spoke rapidly, as if afraid to pause when
she had once made up her mind. The lovely color came and flickered for a
moment on her cheek, and then went out again as suddenly.
"I know it is easier for me to submit than for you, yet it is very hard
to be obliged to leave you, Guy; it is harder still to leave you to
Flora Bellasys. I hope my jealousy--I _am_ jealous--does not make me
unjust; but I don't think she will make you better, or even happier in
the end. Now do forgive me; perhaps I ought not--"
Guy interrupted her here: he had not stopped her till she began to
excuse herself.
"I must see her once again (the knitting of his black brows omened ill
for the peace of that interview); afterward, on my honor and faith, I
will never speak to her one word, or willingly look upon her face.
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