6/20 Still, though love be sweet and holy, it is not all, for there is duty to be thought of, and what will my father say to this, Thomas ?' 'I do not know, Lily, and yet I can guess. I am sure, sweet, that he wishes you to take my brother Geoffrey, and leave me on one side.' 'Then his wishes are not mine, Thomas. Also, though duty be strong, it is not strong enough to force a woman to a marriage for which she has no liking. Yet it may prove strong enough to keep a woman from a marriage for which her heart pleads--perhaps, also, it should have been strong enough to hold me back from the telling of my love.' 'No, Lily, the love itself is much, and though it should bring no fruit, still it is something to have won it for ever and a day.' 'You are very young to talk thus, Thomas. I am also young, I know, but we women ripen quicker. |