"
"I can say no more," she moaned, wringing her hands. "My own heart, my
woman's instinct, tells me you are wrong. I cannot argue with you, nor
can I urge anything more."
She turned from him. He would have given much to take her into his arms,
and kissing her, bid her stay.
"You remember the old song, Madaline?
"'I could not love thee, dear, so much,
Loved I not honor more.'
If I could be false to the dead, Madaline, I should be untrue to the
living. That I am not so is your security for my faith. If I could be
false to the traditions of my race, I could be false to my vows of
love."
"I can say no more--I can urge no more. You are a man--wise, strong,
brave. I submit."
It was a cruel fate. He looked round on his pictured ancestors Would
they have suffered, have sacrificed as much for the honor of their house
as he was about to sacrifice now? Yes, he knew they would, for love of
race and pride of name had always been unspeakably dear to them.
Chapter XXVIII.
Lord Arleigh raised his head from his breast. His wife was kneeling
sobbing at his feet.
"Norman," she said, in a broken voice, "I yield, I submit.
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