A Heart's Bitterness — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

~~ 90 A HEART’S BITTERNESS. that is fair, and innocent, and sweet.. She will make your - life happy, I am sure.” Once,” burst out Norman Leigh, ‘“‘the dream of my life was to be happy with you! Oh, Edna, what shall I say?” “ You need say nothing,” said Edna, looking at him with calm eyes of heavenly blue. ‘‘I did not hold you bound. You say truly—it was a dream. It has passed, and we are both awake, both content.” _ € How can I tell you?—how explain?” faltered Leigh. ‘Do not try,” said Edna, ‘‘ My father forbade an en-— gagement, until you could have time to know your mind... He was right, as he always was; and when you knew your mind, it was for this lovely lady whom you have married. Do not think you owe me any apologies. My father was more than right; our rank was too unequal, and I was too young. I, too, woke to know I did not really love if ‘“Not love me, Edna?” cried Norman, passionately. ‘Not with a love that should last a hfe; but as a friend, a sister, I can care for you still. To me, you and your fate will ever be dear, and I hope your wife also will be dear to me. Is not that well?” Fy _ She gave him her hand, with an angelic smile. _ The cool, calm touch of that dainty palm recalled Leigh to himself. He was a man wonderfully skilled in control- ling an exhibition of his emotions. Habituated to wear a mask, he now swiftly realized that he must hide from Edna this fury of love for her, or with indignant wrath - ghe would drive him from her forever. With iron force he crushed down his emotions, and so mastered himself that he could hold that lovely little hand quietly in his own and say: ‘‘] have no words to thank you for your graciousness and forgiveness. Jf you scorned and hated me, you would feel only what I feel for myself, added to the bitter assurance that in you I lost the sole hope of the happiness of my life, I cannot tell you how I was driven on, by what difficulties dragged into a seeming forsaking of one who will forever hold a sacred place in my heart. Your kindness now restores me more of happiness than I ever expected to know again.” | | “You were not pledged to me,” said Edna; ‘‘and do you know, as I have grown in years and experience since (E(0) comicbooks