brought you nothing but unhappiness already. So far as you have
taken any interest in me, it could cause you only pain, and the more I
think of it, the more unfit it seems that one so formed for light, and
joy, and innocent mirth, should have anything to do with the darkness
that is round me. Think well of it. I feel as if I had done a selfish
thing by you, and now, you know, you are not bound. You are quite free!
No one knows anything about it, or if they did, the blame would rest
entirely with me. I would take care it should. So, Amy, think, and think
well, before you risk your happiness.'

'As to that,' replied Amy, in a soft, low voice, with _such_ a look of
truth in her clear eyes, 'I must care for whatever happens to you, and
I had rather it was with you, than without you,' she said, casting them
down again.

'My Amy!--my own!--my Verena!'--and he held fast one of her hands, as
they sat together on the sofa--'I had a feeling that so it might be
through the very worst, yet I can hardly believe it now.'

'Guy,' said Amy, looking up, with the gentle resolution that had lately
grown on her, 'you must not take me for more than I am worth, and I
should like to tell you fairly. I did not speak last time, because
it was all so strange and so delightful, and I had no time to think,
because I was so confused. But that is a long time ago, and this has
been a very sad winter, and I have thought a great deal. I know, and you
know, too, that I am a foolish little thing; I have been silly little
Amy always; you and Charlie have helped me to all the sense I have, and
I don't think I could ever be a clever, strong-minded woman, such as one
admires.'

'Heaven forbid!' ejaculated Guy; moved, perhaps, by a certain
remembrance of St. Mildred's.

'But,' continued Amy, 'I believe I do really wish to be good, and I know
you have helped me to wish it much more, and I have been trying to learn
to bear things, and so'--out came something, very like a sunny smile,
though some tears followed--'so if you do like such a silly little
thing, it can't be helped, and we will try to make the best of her. Only
don't say any more about my being happier without you, for one thing I
am very sure of, Guy, I had rather bear anything with you, than know you
were bearing it alone. I am only afraid of being foolish and weak, and
making things worse for you.'

'So much worse! But still,' he added, 'speak as you may, my Amy, I
cannot, must not, feel tha