I have
wronged you cruelly and unpardonably. I knew it as soon as you
entered the parlor last evening. There is no excuse for me--I
will never forgive myself, but I do most sincerely apologize and
ask your forgiveness. Miss Mayhew, I appeal to your generosity--I
appeal to your woman's heart. If you should consummate the awful
purpose which I fear has been in your mind, I should go mad with
remorse. You would destroy me as surely as yourself. Pardon me for
speaking thus, but I fear so greatly--O God! can she have already
committed the fatal act?"
Ida's overtaxed powers had given way, and she would have fallen had
he not sustained her. His words had overwhelmed her, and, taken
in connection with those spoken by old Mr. Eltinge, had given a
glimpse of the awful abyss into which she had well nigh plunged,
dragging others, perhaps, after her. She recoiled from it all so
strongly that she became sick and faint from dread; and Van Berg
was compelled to support her to a rustic seat near the path. He
was bout to leave her in order to obtain assistance, when she put
her hand on his arm and gasped:
"Wait--give me time--I'll soon be better. Do not call any one, I
beg.
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