Thou must not expect that of me, Jacob." She lifted her eyes to his with a look that sent a quick thrill through him.

He put out one of his hands and took hers, saying in very gentle tone, though his gestures were slightly uncouth: "I will only strive might and main to win thy love, sweetheart.
Methinks if thy heart were once free again thou mightest learn the lesson." She shook her head and answered very low: "Thou couldst learn to love again, good Jacob; but I--never.

I would that thou couldst look around thee, and find a good and useful wife whom thy mother would welcome; who would love thee well, and whom thou couldst love without let.

There be such--I am well assured of it.

As for me, even though some day thou shouldst gain my hand, my heart can never be thine." Jacob looked at her with a wistful, dog-like devotion, and heaved a heavy sigh.