There was no wile for the enslaving of a woman's heart that he was not master of.

The question as to whether he ought to have employed them on this occasion is quite another matter, and not for our consideration! He was doing what he thought was the only honorable thing possible, giving up this glorious happiness, and he was merely a strong, passionate human being after all.

They were going to part for the rest of their lives; he must make her tell him that she loved him, he wanted to hear her say the words.
"Sabine--little darling--answer me," he pleaded.
She flung her arms round his neck, her whole body vibrating with emotion.
"I love you absolutely, Michael," she cried, "and I have always forgiven you--I was mad to leave you, and I have longed often to go back.

Oh! I would sooner be dead than not to be your wife." They both were white now, the misery was so great.

He knew he must go at once, or he could never go at all.