Hope and pray, as I do, that Edith Hastings will be the blind
man's bride."
"Oh, Griswold," and Arthur groaned aloud, "you cannot wish to
sacrifice her thus!"
"I can--I do--it will save you both from ruin."
"Then you think--you DO think she loves me," and Arthur looked
eagerly at his friend, who answered, "I think nothing, save that
she will marry Mr. Harrington. Your cousin told me there was a
rumor to that effect. She is often at Collingwood, and ought to be
posted."
"Griswold, I wish I were dead," exclaimed Arthur. "Yes, I wish I
were dead, and were it not that I dread the hereafter, I would end
my existence at once in yonder river," and he pointed to the
Chicopee, winding its slow way to the westward.
Dr. Griswold gazed at him a moment in silence, and then replied
somewhat sternly, "Rather be a man and wait patiently for the
future."
"I would, but for the fear that Edith will be lost to me forever,"
Arthur answered faintly, and Dr. Griswold replied, "Better so than
lost herself. Why not be candid with her; tell her everything; go
over the entire past, and if she truly loves you, she will wait,
years and years if need be.
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