I longed to return the caress, but did not, and took great credit to myself because of my self-denial.

Betty understood my sacrifice and appreciated it, feeling sure that she need not thereafter restrain herself for the purpose of restraining me.
During those times I was making an honest effort to do the right by this beautiful child-woman and to save my own honor unsullied from the sin of making her unhappy for life through winning her love beyond her power to recall; and my effort toward the right, like all such efforts, achieved at least a part of the good for which I strove.
One day after our visit to Betty's room, Frances asked me to take her to see George.

I suspected that she had seen him frequently, but was not sure.

I objected, but changed my mind when she said:-- "Very well.

I prefer going alone." I shall not try to describe the scene between them.