Page:An Unfinished Song.djvu/176

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AN UNFINISHED SONG
171

do not speak of your sorrow, but the way in which you are getting more emaciated every day brings the tears to my eyes."

I became embarrassed, so even my sister had noticed it.

"Becoming emaciated! That is all nonsense."

"Why do you grieve so," replied my sister, "over a trifling mistake?"

I started, it was clear she was not speaking of the doctor.

Mv sister continued. "There is no doubt about the fact that he loves you. He met my husband the other day and himself broached the subject. He said he was mortified by your behaviour, and though there was pressure brought to bear on him from another direction to marry a certain young lady, he had not pledged himself. If you will consent even now he is ready to sacrifice everything. He will come to-morrow, now see that you don't get into a misunderstanding again. You both care for each other, why so much fuss over a little difference?"

My head reeled. I knew it was impossible for me to love him. Then marry him—never. I calmly replied:

"He will have to make no sacrifice on my