"
"Mr. Stanton, this is beyond my comprehension!"
"There seems to me nothing strange or unnatural in it," he said.
"You found me a pleasure-loving animal, and through your influence
I think I am becoming somewhat different. You have taught me that
there is a higher and better world than that of sense. How good
a work I can do in life I will let the years prove as they pass.
But I do not think my feelings will ever change towards you, save
as time deepens and strengthens them. Van thinks all the world of
you, as well he may; but his life will be very happy and full of
many interest. I shall think of you alone, and the work I do for
your sake until I can add another motive. Of course I believe in a
heaven--such lives as your make one necessary; and I mean to find
a way of getting there. In the meantime, you are my motive; but my
regard for you shall be so very unobtrusive that I trust you will
not resent it, and the thought of my unseen care and watchfulness
may in time come to be a pleasant one."
There was nothing in his tone or manner to indicate that to their
fellow-travelers that he was not speaking on the most ordinary
topic; and he looked her full in the face with his clear dark eyes,
in which she saw only truth and faithfulness.
Pages:
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745