I must give him up forever." But though she made this resolution with a firm settling of the lines around her mouth that spoke strongly of its probable fulfilment, the arrival of the decision was the signal for the assault of a thousand tender memories and dear recollections, all pleading trumpet-tongued against the summary dismissal of the unworthy lover.

All the ineffably sweet incidents of their love-life stretched themselves out in a vista before her, and tempted her to reverse her decision.

But she stayed her purpose with repeating to herself: "It will save untold misery hereafter to be firm now, and end a connection at once that must be the worse for both of us every day that it is allowed to continue." There was a tap at the door, and Dr.Denslow entered.
The struggle had so shattered Rachel's self-control that she nervously grasped the letter and thrust it into her pocket, as if the mere sight of it would reveal to him the perturbation that was shaking her.
His quick eyes--quicker yet in whatever related to her--noticed her embarrassment.
"Excuse me," he said with that graceful tact which seemed the very fiber of his nature.

"You are not in the mood to receive callers.

I will go now, and look in again." "No, no; stay.