Weaker than a Woman — page 265: what you’re looking at

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

958 ; WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. “T cannot say,” he replied, in a low, hoarse voice. | “T will tell you. After those long years she found that —_ she still loved the dear companion of her youth. She said to herself that he had never married—perhaps he still cared for her—and one night, when he was sitting alone, she went to him—as I have come to you—knelt by his side —as I kneel by yours—and prayed to him—as I pray to you—Oh, my lost love, my dear love, forgive me, and take me to your heart again!’” And the lovely head drooped until it lay upon his arm. He made no answer just then. His whole soul was stirred within him—his whole heart touched. After a few minutes she raised her face to his, and he saw tears upon it. “Violet,” he said, “I do not know what to say to you. You have taken me so completely by surprise. I am lost —bewildered. I cannot collect myself.” “TIT thought you would say ‘ Yes’ to me at once,” she re turned, sadly. “Oh, Felix, have you not forgiven me? Tell me that first. Have you for given me ?” He looked at her thoughtfully, watching the firelight gleaming on her golden hair and on her rich jewels. | “Yes, I have forgiven you, Violet—I forgave you long ago.” “Quite, or was it only a half forgiveness, Felix ?” “Quite,” he repted. “Iam sure of it. My heart was full of hot anger for many long months, but it died away, and then, when I saw that you were not happy, I forgave Ou. 19 “With all your heart, Felix ?” “With all my heart, ” he answered, and then there was silence for a few minutes between them. “You forgave me? Then, Felix, why will you not take me into your heart again ?”’ His face grew deadly pale—his hands trembled. She saw such deep emotion in his face that her own grew pale. “You see but one side of the question,” he said. ‘“ Now listen to me. I loved a girl, Violet—ah, Heaven, how I loved her! She was the very light of my eyes! She was the pulse of my heart! She was the very soul of my life—my one priceless jewel! She loved me—her fair face brightened for me—her sweet eyes rained love and kindness on me—her voice made allmy music! I had no life outside her sweet life! Heaven forgive me, I worshiped her—no man ever worshiped a woman so madly, so blindly, or so well. If at any time my poor life would have served her, 1 would have givenit. If at any time I comicbooks.