You have forced me to say this: so now be content. Be
merciful, and go!"
She made a desperate gesture, and turned to leave him, but he
caught her hand and held her fast.
"Never!" he cried, fiercely. "Say what you will! let that mask
hide what it may! I will never leave you till life leaves me!"
"Man, you are mad! Release my hand and let me go!"
"Madame, hear me. There is but one way to prove my love, and my
sanity, and that is - "
"Well?" she said, almost touched by his earnestness.
"Raise your mask and try me! Show me your face and see if I do
not love you still!"
"Truly I know how much love you will have for me when it is
revealed. Do you know that no one has looked in my face for the
last eight years."
He stood and gazed at her in wonder.
"It is so, Mr. Ormiston; and in my heart I have vowed a vow to
plunge headlong into the most loathsome plague-pit in London,
rather than ever raise it again. My friend, be satisfied. Go
and leave me; go and forget me."
"I can do neither until I have ceased to forget every thing
earthly. Madame, I implore you, hear me!"
"Mr. Ormiston, I tell you, you but court your own doom.
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