Ah, Lady Maude!
this impassioned love was never felt for you.
"You don't love her?" whispered Anne.
"Love her! I never loved but you, my best and dearest. I never shall, or
can, love another."
He spoke in all good faith; fully believing what he said; and it was
indeed true. And Anne? As though a prevision had been upon her of the
future, she remained passively in his arms sobbing hysterically, and
suffering his kisses; not drawing away from him in maiden modesty, as
was her wont. She had never clung to him like this.
"You will write to me often?" he whispered.
"Yes. Won't you come to Cannes?"
"I don't know that it will be possible, unless you remain beyond the
spring. And should that be the case, Anne, I shall pray your father and
mother that the marriage may take place there. I am going up to town next
month to take my seat in the House. It will be a busy session; and I want
to see if I can't become a useful public man. I think it would please the
doctor to find I've some stuff in me; and a man must have a laudable
object in life."
"I would rather die," murmured Anne, passionately in her turn, "than hear
again what Mrs. Graves said."
"My darling, we cannot stop people's gossip. Believe in me; I will not
fail you. Oh, Anne, I wish you were already my wife!" he aspirated
fervently, his perplexities again presenting themselves to his mind.
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