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come into her life just at the time when Patrick Lovell's death had left it very empty and desolate. Two days of suspense ensued while she restlessly awaited Tim's reply. Then, on the third day, he came himself, his eyes incredulous, his face showing traces of the white night her letter had cost him. He was very gentle with her. There was no bitterness or upbraiding, and he suffered her explanation with a grave patience that hurt her more than any reproaches he could have uttered. "I believed it was only I who cared, Tim," she told him. "And so I felt free to give you what you wanted--to be your wife, if you cared to take me, knowing I had no love to give. I thought"--she faltered a little--"that I might as well make _someone_ happy! But now that I know he loves me as I love him, I couldn't marry any one else, could I?" "And are you going to marry him--this man you love?" "I don't know. He has not asked me to marry him." "Perhaps he is married already?" Sara met his eyes frankly. "I don't know even that." Tim made a fierce gesture of impatience. "Is it playing fair--to keep you in ignorance like that?" he demanded. Sara laughed suddenly. "Perhaps not. But somehow I don't mind. I am sure he must have a good reason--or else"--with a flash of humour--"some silly man's reason that won't be any obstacle at all!" "Supposing"--Tim bent over her, his face rather white--"supposing you find--later on--that there is some real obstacle--that he can't marry you, would you come to me--then, Sara?" She shook her head. "No, Tim, not now. Don't you see, now that I know he cares for me--everything is altered. I'm not free, now. In a way, I belong to him. Oh! How can I explain? Even though we may never marry, there is a faithfulness of the spirit, Tim. It's--it's the biggest part of love, really----" She broke off, and presently she felt Tim's hands on her shoulders. "I think I understand, dear," he said gently. "It's just what I should expect of you. It means the end of everything--everything that matters for me. But--somehow--I would not have you otherwise." He did not stay very long after that. They talked together a little, promising each other that their friendship should still remain unbroken and unspoilt. "For," as Tim said, "if I cannot have the best that the world can give--your love, Sara, I need not lose the second best--which is your friendship." And Sara, watching him from the wi
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