It was
all the same to him. It was enough that he loved me and wanted me. And
besides, laying sentiment aside, it wouldn't have been a bad stroke of
business on his part. He has a fair chance to sit on the throne of our
country. By placing me beside him on the throne he would be taking a
long step toward uniting the factions that are now bitterly opposing
each other. I am able to discuss all this very calmly with you now,
Mr. Barnes, for the nightmare is ended. I am here with you, alive and
well. If you had not come for me last night, I would now be sleeping
the long sleep at Green Fancy."
"You--you would have taken your own life?" he said, in a shocked
voice.
"I would have spared myself the horror of letting him destroy it in a
slower, more painful fashion," she said, compressing her lips.
He did not speak at once. Looking into her troubled eyes, he said,
after a soulful moment: "I am glad that I came in time. You were made
to love and be loved. The man you love,--if there ever be one so
fortunate,--will be my debtor to the end of his days. I glorify myself
for having been instrumental in saving you for him."
"If there ever be one so fortunate," she mused. Suddenly her mood
changed.
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