Damn it all, don't you know your own mind?"
Waymark collected himself, and spoke gravely.
"I, of course, understand why you press so for this explanation. You
take it for granted that Ida regards me as something more than a
friend. If so, my manner since she has been here must have clearly
shown her that, on my side, I have not the least thought of offering
more than friendship. You yourself will grant so much, I believe.
For all that, I don't deny that our relations have always been
unusual; and it would cost me very much to tell her of my
engagement. I ask you to relieve me of the painful task, on the
understanding that I never come here again. I can't make you
understand my position. You say my behaviour has not been
straightforward. In the ordinary sense of the word it has not;--
there let it rest. Tell Ida what you will of me, and let me
disappear from her world."
"The plain English of all which," cried Abraham angrily, "is, that,
as far as you are concerned, you would be quite willing to let the
girl live on false hopes, just to have the pleasure of her society
as long as you care for it"
"Not so, not so at all! I value Ida's friendship as I value that of
no other woman, and I am persuaded that, if I were free with her, I
could reconcile her entirely to our connection remaining one of
friendship, and nothing more.
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