Can it be
possible? Let me take this heavenly theory and, as we were taught at
college, see how much there is to support it. Was there any change in
her manner toward me before we parted years since? Why, she was taken
ill that night when she first met Miss Wildmere, and I stayed away
from her so long--idiot!"
From that hour he went forward, scanning everything that had occurred
between them, until he saw again her flushing face and startled eyes
when he kissed her, and his belief grew strong that it was his immense
good-fortune to fulfil the prediction that Madge should be happy.
The thought kept him sleepless most of that night, and made the time
which must intervene before he could see her again seem long indeed.
He did his utmost to get the details of his department well in hand
during business hours; but after they were over his mind returned at
once to Madge, and never did a scientist hunt for facts and hints in
support of a pet theory so eagerly as did Graydon scan the past for
confirmation of his hope, that long years of companionship had given
him a place in Madge's heart which no one else possessed, and that
his blindness or indifference to the truth was the sorrow of her life.
This view explained why she would not regard herself as his sister,
and could not permit the intimacy natural to the relation.
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