"And
yet," she murmured, looking down, "what life can be better than the
service of one's kind? You think it a great life for Sebastian!"
"Sebastian! He is a man. That is different; quite different. But a
woman! Especially YOU, dear lady, for whom one feels that nothing
is quite high enough, quite pure enough, quite good enough. I cannot
imagine how--"
She checked me with one wave of her gracious hand. Her movements were
always slow and dignified. "I have a Plan in my life," she answered
earnestly, her eyes meeting mine with a sincere, frank gaze; "a Plan to
which I have resolved to sacrifice everything. It absorbs my being. Till
that Plan is fulfilled--" I saw the tears were gathering fast on her
lashes. She suppressed them with an effort. "Say no more," she added,
faltering. "Infirm of purpose! I WILL not listen."
I leant forward eagerly, pressing my advantage. The air was electric.
Waves of emotion passed to and fro. "But surely," I cried, "you do not
mean to say--"
She waved me aside once more. "I will not put my hand to the plough,
and then look back," she answered, firmly. "Dr. Cumberledge, spare me.
I came to Nathaniel's for a purpose.
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