The sudden shock of the news had robbed me of some of my wit, and had warped my reasoning.

Later, as the pain of the blow grew duller, I came to reflect that what she had done was but a proof--an overwhelming proof--of how deeply she had cared.

Such hatred as this can be but born of a great love; reaction is ever to be measured by the action that occasions it, and a great revulsion can only come of a great affection.

Had she been indifferent to me, or had she but entertained for me a passing liking, she would not have suffered so.
And so I came to realize how cruel must have been the pang that had driven her to this.

But she had loved me; aye, and she loved me still, for all that she thought she hated, and for all that she had acted as if she hated.