A Heart's Bitterness — page 225: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A HEART’S BITTERNESS. 217 But Violet clasped her hands behind her, and shook her pretty head. | ‘“No, indeed! It worries me; I’m so glad to be rid of it! Why, some night some robber might come, if I kept all that. Now, Norman, don’t worry any more. .Good- night!” He caught her hand and kissed the slender fingers. ‘‘ Would I were worthier of you, Violet!’ He expected that Helen Hope would conclude to make terms with him, and cease her pursuit on payment of a heavy sum. Such a sum was now before him, but—it came from Violet; and the hot blood surged over his worn tem- ples at the thought. As for Violet, she slept content after a good action, and as soon as she had breakfasted next day, filled a large basket with grapes and flowers, and hastened to Rose Lodge. ‘*T know you will think me intrusive, Edna,” she said, after she had greeted her friend, and they were alone in the little rose-curtained parlor. ‘‘ But I cannot. be silent, when I know you are sad. ‘There is such a sorrow in your sweet eyes, and you are paler and thinner. I know you are griev- ing. Tell me, is this a fatal quarrel with Lord Alwood?” ‘‘There is no quarrel; only—do not ask me, Violet—he -. found he was mistaken—and all is ended between us.” ‘“T cannot conceive of any person giving you up.” ‘* Lord Alwood found me—less than he had believed me— and he gave meup. I cannot blame him; he is worthy of the best.” | ‘¢He is unworthy of anything, if he could be false to you,” cried Violet, hotly. ‘‘ If he is so fickle, forget him.” ‘He is not fickle. Hush! I cannot let you speak against him. He isthe noblest, purest of men. It is be- ‘ cause his ideal of womanhood, of true love, is so high that I cannot reach it.” ‘© Do not excuse him,” said Violet; ‘‘ he is inexcusable if he won your love and forsook you!” ‘«< My darling, I cannot explain; but I cannot hear him blamed. He may have been a little hasty; but there—I can say no more—only do not torture me by recalling him, by condemning him; for every word against him cuts my heart. Violet, I loved him, I do love him, and that love I shall cherish in my heart forever. I can live for him, hope and pray for his good, though we are forever parted. | } Eomicbooks..co