"Do you remember what we said to each other this morning about
telling our faults?" he asked abruptly, finding that she still
remained immovable. "We spoke lightly perhaps, and you may well
have done so. But for me it was no light promise. I want to make
a confession to you, Love."
This, from him, so unexpectedly apposite, had the effect upon her of
a Providential interposition.
"You have to confess something?" she said quickly, and even with
gladness and relief.
"You did not expect it? Ah--you thought too highly of me. Now
listen. Put your head there, because I want you to forgive me, and
not to be indignant with me for not telling you before, as perhaps
I ought to have done."
How strange it was! He seemed to be her double. She did not speak,
and Clare went on--
"I did not mention it because I was afraid of endangering my chance
of you, darling, the great prize of my life--my Fellowship I call
you. My brother's Fellowship was won at his college, mine at
Talbothays Dairy. Well, I would not risk it. I was going to tell
you a month ago--at the time you agreed to be mine, but I could not;
I thought it might frighten you away from me. I put it off; then I
thought I would tell you yesterday, to give you a chance at least of
escaping me.
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