Winthrop's pardon, I think it is----"
"You do not realize my influence over him. I could bend him to my will
like the merest child."
I opened the album which still lay on my knee. "You must not expect to
meet the same man you knew here. He has changed--matured since then--if
I can judge from his face."
"His heart, I am convinced, is unchanged. He is not one to forget the one
passion of his life. You have not gauged the depths of his character. Ah,
me! that I should have flung such a man away!"
I made no reply, seeing she was convinced of her power; but, with all her
maddening grace and beauty, I kept the hope still that she would fail.
I could fancy Mr. Winthrop trampling ruthlessly on the strongest pleading
of his heart sooner than stoop to the degradation of a second time asking
her to be his wife.
"You have been thinking it all out, and have decided there is no chance
for me."
"How do you know?" I asked, startled by her correct guess.
"Your face is a very open page. Be careful when you get to love a man,
which as yet I do not think you have ever done, lest your secret may too
easily be discovered. Men usually care very little for what costs them no
trouble."
My face flushed hotly, but I made her no reply.
"I expected you to flash back that you were never going to fall in love.
It is the way with most unsophisticated young people."
"If I should, and my love is returned, I will be faithful to any vows
I may make."
"My dear friend, you are too inexperienced to make such rash promises.
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