'Oh, if he did! If he did!' Lydia was still kneeling.

New fears were making themselves heard.

Was it possible for Thyrza to marry Gilbert under such circumstances, and within five days?
What if Gilbert heard Bower's story?
Nay, in any case, what of the future?
Egremont would be constantly at the library.
'Thyrza, do you never think of Gilbert ?' Thyrza raised herself, again the look of wild dread in her eyes.
'Lyddy, I can't marry him! You know now that I can't, don't you?
It would be wrong.

I shall love _him_ as long as ever I live--love him and think of him every minute.

I can't marry Gilbert.' There was silence.