I was not weak then; I was as strong as any girl could be;
I--I fought it out to the very last," her head suddenly drooping,
"but--but the end came just the same. Perhaps I should never have hung
on so long; perhaps it would have been better to have sent word to my
mother, and asked help to go home. But--but I kept hoping to succeed,
until it was too late. I spent all the little money I had, and pawned
my rings. I had married against my mother's wish. I could not turn to
her for help. Oh, I was tempted; I think you must know what I mean!
You realize what temptation is; how it weakens, and conquers the soul?"
I closed my hand firmly over hers.
"Yes, I know."
Her sensitive face brightened; her eyes clearing of mist.
"It is a comfort to speak with a gentleman again. I--I had almost
begun to believe there were none left in the world. You give me
courage to go on, to acknowledge everything. Mr. Craig, I was a soul
tottering on the brink when I met you out yonder; a desperate,
disheartened girl, tempted to the point of surrender. I had lost hope,
pride, all redeeming strength of womanhood. I scarcely cared whether
death, or dishonor, claimed me. I do not know what fateful impulse
moves me now, but I can look into your eyes without sense of shame, and
confess this.
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