I should have spoken when I was here last autumn, but I felt that I had no right to ask you to share my life as long as it remained so valueless.

You see'-- he smiled--'how I have grown in my own esteem.

I suppose that is always the first effect of a purpose strongly conceived.

Or should it be just the opposite, and have I only given you a proof that I snatch at rewards before doing the least thing to merit them ?' Something in these last sentences jarred upon her, and gave her courage to speak a thought which had often come to her in connection with Egremont.
'I think that a woman does not reason in that way if her deepest feelings are pledged.

If I were able to go with you and share your life I shouldn't think I was rewarding you, but that you were offering me a great happiness.