I Could Wish There Were A God,

Don’t Be Afraid,” She Said, Coldly, “ As Far As Love May Go She May Be Worthy Of You. It Must Have Taken A Good Deal To Overcome Her Pride. Don’t Be Afraid, John.

He Could Not Forget The Touch Of Her Arms Around His Neck, Impatiently Felt As It Had Been At The Time; But Now The Recollection Of Her Clinging Defence Of Him, Seemed To Thrill Him Through And Through,—to Melt Away Every Resolution, All Power Of Self-control, As If It Were Wax Before A Fire.

Even Before He Left The Room, — And Certainly, Not Five Minutes After, The Clear Conviction Dawned Upon Her, Shined Bright Upon Her, That He Did Love Her; That He Had Loved Her; That He Would Love Her. And She Shrank And Shuddered As Under The Fascination Of Some Great Power.

It Had Been A Royal Time Of Luxury To Him, With All Its Stings And Contumelies, Compared To The Poverty That Crept Round And Clipped The Anticipation Of The Future Down To Sordid Fact, And Life Without An Atmosphere Of Either Hope Or Fear.

I Dare Say There's Many A Woman Makes As Sad A Mistake As I Have Done, And Only Finds It Out Too Late.