I thought I would try
one forlorn hope. I kept you out of the way and came up here to
see Carlotta. Don't interrupt me, Marcus; let me finish. I
happened to meet her a hundred yards down the road, and we went
into the Regent's Park. We sat down and I told her about
ourselves, and my love for you, and asked her to give you up. I
don't believe she understood, Marcus. She laughed and threw
stones at a little dog. I recovered my senses and left her there
and went home sick with shame and humiliation. I knew Pasquale
was in love with her, for he had told me so the night before, and
asked me how the marriage could be stopped. He didn't believe in
your announcement to Hamdi Effendi. But I never mentioned
Pasquale to Carlotta, or hinted there might be another than you.
I was loyal so far, Marcus. And two or three days afterwards
came Pasquale's letter. And I waited for you, in a fearful joy.
I knew you would come to me--and I was mad enough to think that
time would heal--that you would forget--that we could have the
dear past again--and I would teach you to love me.
Pages:
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360