'That is altogether uncertain,' I answered. 'I go to follow Winifred.
If I find her alive I shall marry her, if she will marry me, unless
permanent insanity prove a barrier. If she is dead'--(I restrained
myself from saying aloud what I said to myself)--'I shall still
follow her.'
'The daughter of the scoundrel!' she murmured, her lips grey with
suppressed passion.
'Mother,' I said, 'let us not part in anger. The sword of Fate is
between us. When I was at school I made a certain vow. The vow was
that I would woo and win but one woman upon earth--the daughter of
the man who has since violated my father's tomb. I have lately made a
second vow, that, until she is found, I shall devote my life to the
quest of Winifred Wynne. If you think that I am likely to be deterred
by fears of being disinherited by your family, open and read my
letter to my uncle. I have there told him whom I intend to marry.'
'Mad, mad boy!' said my mother. 'Society will--'
'You have once or twice before mentioned society, mother. If I find
Winifred Wynne, I shall assuredly marry her, unless prevented by the
one obstacle I have mentioned.
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