Since you knew so much that
was against me, perhaps you will not think it strange that I was
willing you should learn what is now in my favor. It is simply
this--I've found a Divine Friend who will help me live a better
life."
They had now reached Mr. Eltinge's gate, and Van Berg stepped out
to open it. But before doing so, he turned to his companion, and
with eyes moist with feeling, said earnestly:
"Miss Mayhew, circumstances might have given me but a passing
interest in you, but YOU have won an abiding interest. You have
been generous enough to forgive me, and now you will have to repel
me resolutely, to prevent my being your friend. Indeed I shall be
one in heart hereafter, even though you may not permit me to enjoy
your society, for you may very naturally wish to shun one who cannot
fail to remind you of so much that is painful. As for your story,
it is a revelation to me. I may never possess your happy faith,
but I will respect it;" and although he turned hastily away she
could not fail to see that he was deeply moved.
Mr. Eltinge received the young man with some surprise, and did
not seem to regard his presence as altogether welcome. The artist
thought to disarm the old gentleman by a decided manifestation of
frankness and courtesy:
"I feel that in a certain sense I am an intruder in your beautiful
garden to-day.
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