Her trouble was very real, and made almost a
child of her. "I should value your advice. It would help me to have it--
even if it couldn't change my intentions."
"You shall have it, assuredly," he said. "Shall we find a seat?"
"No, no. I would rather stop where we are. Perhaps they'll hear us." They
looked at each other and smiled at a shared sentiment.
"Tell me, then," he said.
"He wants me to marry him," she said hurriedly, "and I think that I must.
All my people wish it, and my friends--I mean those who have known me for
a long time. I don't mind very much about most of them; but one of my
sisters--Vicky--who was always my closest friend, expects it--and it would
break my father's heart if I did not do it. The others don't count; but
those two do. And there are other things--one other person who would think
I am doing right."
"Would you"--Morosine spoke slowly, addressing the statues--"would you
consider the possibility of marrying any one else?"
She spoke as one in a trance. "No--I couldn't--I shouldn't dare. Besides,
there is no possibility--there would be Papa and Vicky again. That would
never satisfy them. And then I feel that it's my punishment--if I deserve
punishment, as they all imply that I do.
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