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Gissing, George, 1857-1903

"The Unclassed"

They spoke
freely of each other's affairs, saving that there was no mention of
Ida. Waymark had of course said nothing of that parting between Ida
and himself. Of the hope which supported him he could not speak to
his friend.
A month had told upon Julian as months do when the end draws so
near. In spite of his suffering he still discharged his duties at
the hospital, but it was plain that he would not be able to do so
much longer. And what would happen then?
"Casti," Waymark exclaimed suddenly, when a hint of this thought had
brought both of them to a pause, "come away with me."
Julian looked up in bewilderment.
"Where to?"
"Anywhere. To some place where the sun shines."
"What an impossible idea! How am I to get my living? And how is she
to live?"
"Look here," Waymark said, smiling, "my will is a little stronger
than yours, and in the present case I mean to exercise it. I have
said, and there's an end of it. You say she'll be away from home
to-morrow. Good. We go together, pack up your books and things in
half an hour or so, bring them here,--and then off! _Sic volo, sic
jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas!_"
And it was done, though not till Waymark had overcome the other's
opposition by the most determined effort.


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