In my pride, or rather in my weakness and cowardice, I refused.

I came away and broke my heart among these rocks and ledges, yet grew strong; and you, my love, YOU, sheltered and guarded by those you loved, YOU"-- He stopped and buried his face in his hands.

The night wind breathed down the chimney, and from the stirred ashes on the hearth came the soft whisper, "I died." "And then," he went on, "I cared for nothing.

Sometimes my heart awoke for this young partner of mine in his innocent, trustful love for a girl that even in her humble station was far beyond his hopes, and I pitied myself in him.

Home, fortune, friends, I no longer cared for--all were forgotten.