Remember that time, Jem, if ever you think
me cold. Then, the love that's in my heart would out in words; but
now, though I'm silent on the pain I'm feeling in quitting you, the
love is in my heart all the same. But this is not the time to speak
on such things. If I do not do what I feel to be right now, I may
blame myself all my life long! Jem, you promised"--
And so saying she left him. She went quicker than she would
otherwise have passed over those few yards of ground, for fear he
should still try to accompany her. Her hand was on the latch, and
in a breath the door was opened.
There sat her father, still and motionless--not even turning his
head to see who had entered; but perhaps he recognised the footstep--
the trick of action.
He sat by the fire; the grate, I should say, for fire there was
none. Some dull grey ashes, negligently left, long days ago, coldly
choked up the bars. He had taken the accustomed seat from mere
force of habit, which ruled his automaton body. For all energy,
both physical and mental, seemed to have retreated inwards to some
of the great citadels of life, there to do battle against the
Destroyer, Conscience.
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