 strongest feeling; - but then, such feelings
continually come across the ties that all our former life has made for us - the
ties that have made others dependent on us - and would cut them in two. If life
were quite easy and simple, as it might have been in paradise, and we could
always see that one being first towards whom .... I mean, if life did not make
duties for us before love comes, love would be a sign that two people ought to
belong to each other. But I see - I feel it is not so now: there are things we
must renounce in life; some of us must resign love. Many things are difficult
and dark to me; but I see one thing quite clearly - that I must not, cannot,
seek my own happiness by sacrificing others. Love is natural; but surely pity
and faithfulness and memory are natural too. And they would live in me still,
and punish me if I did not obey them. I should be haunted by the suffering I had
caused. Our love would be poisoned. Don't urge me; help me - help me, because I
love you.«
    Maggie had become more and more earnest as she went on; her face had become
flushed, and her eyes fuller and fuller of appealing love. Stephen had the fibre
of nobleness in him that vibrated to her appeal: but in the same moment - how
could it be otherwise? - that pleading beauty gained new power over him.
    »Dearest,« he said, in scarcely more than a whisper, while his arm stole
round her, »I'll do, I'll bear anything you wish. But - one kiss - one - the
last - before we part.«
    One kiss - and then a long look - until Maggie said tremulously, »Let me go
- let us make haste back.«
    She hurried along, and not another word was spoken. Stephen stood still and
beckoned when they came within sight of Willy and the horse, and Maggie went on
through the gate. Mrs. Moss was standing alone at the door of the old porch: she
had sent all the cousins in, with kind thoughtfulness. It might be a joyful
thing that Maggie had a rich and handsome lover, but she would naturally feel
embarrassed at coming in again: - and it might not be joyful. In either case,
Mrs. Moss waited anxiously to receive Maggie by herself. The speaking face told
plainly enough that, if there was joy, it was of a very agitating,
