things that worry me
most, and make me feel ugly. It's the height of your ambition to settle
down in your old home, and to keep things rolling along in the same old
ruts that they've run in for centuries. I want change and excitement,
and the newest there is. Your quiet English life would get on my
nerves. Poppar and I have had lots of ups and downs, and I've never
lost grit. I ken bear a good big blow, but to stodge along every day
the same dull round would drive me crazed! We live quickly over with
us, and you're so slow. I don't say that the advantage is all on our
side. I used to laugh at English girls, but I don't any longer, since
I've known Elma Ramsden. If I were a man, Elma's the sort I'd want for
my wife. You'll find another like her some day, and be thankful you are
free. You love me now, but your love would not stand the strain of
pulling separate ways all our lives--"

Guest gazed at her with gloomy eyes.

"You don't love me, or you would not think of anything else. Whatever
may be the differences between us, you are the one woman I have ever
wanted for my wife. I can't bear to let you go. ... Don't trifle with
me for the few minutes that are left. Tell me honestly how we stand.
... Do you love me, Cornelia?"

"I--_could_!" answered Cornelia, slowly. Her cheeks flushed beneath his
gaze, and the white lids drooped over the honest eyes. "It was just
finding out how easy it would be, that sent me running home. The people
at Norton think it was Poppar's doing, but I'll tell you straight that I
asked him to send for me. ... Life's a big chance. We've got to make
the best we know out of it, for ourselves and other people. I don't
mean to spoil things for us both. ... You didn't _want_ to love me!
Right at the back of your mind you've felt all the time that I was not
your mate. You went away to think it out; perhaps, if the truth's
known, you were still undecided when the news of my sailing brought you
up with a run. When I am gone and you have had time to cool down,
you'll be glad!"

Guest repeated the word with bitter emphasis.

"_Glad_! I shall be glad, shall I? At the present moment, in any case,
I am the most miserable man on earth. Have you no pity, Cornelia? Will
nothing move you? Think how happy we have been together! If we loved
each other, surely we could outlive the differences? Can you bear to go
away like this and leave me for ever? Is it nothing to you how I
su