I could not even have wished to--as I did three years ago--as I did last night.

Then I feared it was my weakness, now I know it was my love.

I have thought of it ever since, even while waiting my wife's return here, knowing that I did not and never could have loved her.

But for that very reason I must try to save her for her own sake, if I cannot save her for mine; and if I fail, dearest, it shall not be said that we climbed to happiness over her back bent with the burden of her shame.

If I loved you and told you so, thinking her still guiltless and innocent, how could I profit now by her fault ?" Mrs.Horncastle saw too late her mistake.