I could have been different, Corona, if I had had you for my wife for thirty years, instead of five.

But it is too late now.

Before long I shall be dead, and you will be free." "What makes you say such things to me ?" asked Corona.

"Can you think I am so vile, so ungrateful, so unloving, as to wish your death ?" "Not unloving; no, my dear child.

But not loving, either.