It was in vain that
Grace expostulated with him upon what seemed to her a foolish and
uncalled-for journey. He was resolved, and saying he should not
probably see Edith ere his departure, he left his farewell with
her.
Once he thought of bidding her encourage Edith to marry the blind
man, but he could not quite bring himself to this. Edith was
dearer to him now than when she promised him that if Richard
sought her hand she would not tell him no, and he felt that he
would rather she should die than be thus sacrificed. Anxiously
Grace looked after him as he walked rapidly away, thinking within
herself that long association with Nina had impaired his reason.
And Arthur was more than half insane. Not until now had he been
wholly roused to the reality of his position. Dr. Griswold had
rent asunder the flimsy veil, showing him how hopeless was his
love for Edith, and so, because he could not have her, he must go
away. It was a wise decision, and he was strengthened to keep it
in spite of Nina's tears that he should stay.
"Nina'll die, or somebody'll die, I know," and the little girl
clung sobbing to his neck, when the hour of parting came.
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