"Your secret is absolutely safe with me, Theodosia. No, it is not a secret! We have sworn that neither of us would lay a secret upon the other. I swear that to you once more."
"And yet you upbraid me when I say I cannot give you up to any fate but that of happiness and success--oh, not with me, for that is beyond us two--it is past forever. But happiness----"
"There are some words that burn deep," he said slowly. "I know that I was not made for happiness."
"Does a woman's wish mean nothing to you? Have I no appeal for you?"
Something like a sob was torn from his bosom.
"You can speak thus with me?" he said huskily. "If you cannot leave me happiness, can you not at least leave me partial peace of mind?"
She stood slightly swaying, silent.
"And you say you will not relinquish me, you will not let me go to that fate which surely is mine? You say you will not let me be savage? I say I am too nearly savage now. Let me go--let me go yonder into the wilderness, where I may be a gentleman!"
He saw her movement as she turned, heard her sigh.
"Sometimes," she said, "I have thought it worth a woman's life thrown away that a strong man may succeed. Failure and sacrifice a woman may offer--not much more. But it is as my father told me!"
"He told you what?"
"That only chivalry would ever make you forget your duty--that you never could be approached through your weakness, but only through your strength, through your honor. I cannot approach you through your strength, and I would not approach you through your weakness, even if I could. No! Wait. Perhaps some day it will all be made clear for both of us, so that we may understand. Yes, this is torture for us both!"
He heard the soft rustle of her gown, her light footfall as she passed; and once more he was alone.