He did not reel or tremble, but she felt that the bolt had pierced a
vital part, and wisely forbore to offer consolation he could not
hear.

But when he would have parted with her at the door of her uncle's
parlor, she saw how deadly pale he was, and put her hands into his,
beseechingly.

"Come in! I cannot let you go until you have said that you forgive
me!"

There were tears in her eyes, and in her coaxing accents, and he
yielded to the gentle face that sought to lead him into the room. It
was fearful agony that contracted his forehead and lips when he
would have spoken reassuringly, and they were drops of genuine
commiseration that drenched the girl's cheeks while she listened.

"I have nothing to forgive you! You have been all kindness and
consideration--I ought not to have asked questions, but I believed
myself when I boasted of my strength. I thought the bitterness of
the heart's death had passed. Now, I know I never despaired before!
Great Heavens! how I loved that woman! and this is the end!"

He walked to the other side of the room.

Rosa durst not follow him even with her eyes. She sat, her face
concealed by her handkerchief, weeping many tears for him--more for
herself, until she heard his step close beside her, and he seated
himself upon her sofa.