A few weeks after that we, too, came over, and Prudence took up
her residence in a quiet village a long way from London. Thus
you see, Sir Norman, how it comes about that we are so related,
and the wrong I have done them all."
"You have, indeed!" said Sir Norman, gravely, having listened,
much shocked and displeased, at this open confession; "and to one
of them it is beyond our power to atone. Do you know the life of
misery to which she has been assigned?"
"I know it all, and have repented for it in my own heart, in dust
and ashes! Even I - unlike all other earthly creatures as I am -
have a conscience, and it has given me no rest night or day
since. From that hour I have never lost sight of them; every
sorrow they have undergone has been known to me, and added to my
own; and yet I could not, or would not, undo what I had done.
Leoline knows all now; and she will tell Hubert, since destiny
has brought them together; and whether they will forgive me I
know not. But yet they might; for they have long and happy lives
before them, and we can forgive everything to the dead."
"But you are not dead," said Sir Norman; "and there is repentance
and pardon for all.
Pages:
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380