I have looked you in the face and told you lies.

I wanted to keep you for my friend; I could not stand the thought of a life-long breach between us.

Gilbert, old friend, have pity on me.

I was weak--wicked, if you like--but I loved you very dearly." He stretched out his bony hand with an appealing gesture, but it was not taken.

Gilbert sat with his head turned away, his face hidden from the sick man.
"Anything would have been better than the course you chose," he said at last in a very quiet voice.