Think of it--don't make up your mind until James
talks to you--"
"No, I go to-morrow."
"But it does seem to me, Mark, that you are making a serious change
without sufficient consideration of what you lose and we lose."
"Yes, yes," he returned, "I know--but to remain is for me impossible."
"But why?"
He was silent a moment, looking at this dear friend with the over-filled
eyes of a troubled and yet resolute manhood. Then he said, "I did not
mean to tell you why in my weakness flight alone will save me from what
has been to me unbearable here and ever will be."
"Can I in any way help you?"
"No."
"But what is it--trust me a little--what is it?"
He hesitated, and then said, "It is Leila Grey! God pity my weakness, and
you will say good-bye and give the Squire this note and them my love." He
was gone.
The woman sat still for an hour, pitiful, and understanding the flight
of a too sensitive man. Then she gave her husband the note, with her
good-night, and no other word. Of why her friend had gone she said later
nothing, except to defend him for his obedience to the call of duty. Late
that evening John returned.
When after breakfast next day he and Leila were riding through the
wood-roads of the forest, John said, "I cannot or I could not see why
Mr.
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