"You may have wasted your life; you say so.

I would love you more if I could, God knows.

You have always been to me a courteous gentleman and a faithful husband." The old man rose with difficulty from his deep chair, and came and stood by her, and took the hand that lay idle on her knees.

She looked up at him.
"If I thought my blessing were worth anything, I would bless you for what you say.

But I would not have you waste your youth.