I
haven't a particle of hope, and yet I would not give up my love for
Jennie Burton for all the world; and I don't believe I ever shall
give it up. I think she is beginning to understand me a little
better now, although she does not give me much thought. One day,
while you have been gone, I met her returning from one of her walks,
and she looked so faint and sad that I could not endure it, and I
went straight to her and took her hand as I said: 'Miss Burton,
is there anything Ik Stanton can do to make you happier? It's
none of my business, I suppose, but it's breaking my heart to see
you becoming so sad and pale. I may seem to you very foolish and
Quixotic, but there is no earthly think I would not do or suffer for
you.' She did not withdraw her hand as she replied, very gently:
'Mr. Stanton, please do me the kindness to be happy yourself, and
forget me.' I could only say, in honesty: 'You have asked just
the two things which are utterly impossible.' Tears came into
her eyes as she replied, with emphasis: 'Then, my FRIEND, you can
understand me. There is one whom I can never forget.' She was
kind enough to say some words about my having been generous and
considerate of her feelings, etc.
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