I have
spoken with cruel truth; but my work has been that of the surgeon, who
uses his knife freely in order to cut away the morbid spot which is
poisoning the very life-blood of the sufferer. I have shown you the
disease, the fatal passion, the wasted devotion, to which you are
sacrificing your life; my next duty is to show you where your cure
lies."
"You may be a very clever surgeon," replied Paulina, scornfully; "but
in this case your skill is unavailing. For me there is no remedy."
"Nay, madame, that is the despairing cry of a romantic girl, and is
unworthy the lips of an accomplished woman of the world. You complained
just now of your loneliness. You said that it was very sad to be
without a friend. How if I can show you that you possess one attached
and devoted friend, who would be as willing to sacrifice himself for
your interests as you have been willing to devote yourself to Reginald
Eversleigh?"
"Who is that friend?"
"Douglas Dale."
"Douglas Dale!" exclaimed Paulina. "Yes, I know, that Mr. Dale admires
me, and that he is a good and honourable man; but can I take advantage
of his admiration? Can I trade upon his love? I--who have no heart to
give, no affection to offer in return for the honest devotion of a good
man? Do not ask me to stoop to such baseness--such degradation."
"I ask nothing from you but common sense," answered Victor impatiently.
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