I know you are
attracted to me by those yearnings above everything; why wish me
untrue to them? It was because I saw you could sympathize with me
in these impulses that I said to myself, Here, at last, is the man
who can go through life as an aid and a spur to me. Don't tell me
I was mistaken; don't belie my belief. Be what I thought you were,
what I know you are. Work with me, and help me. Lift me! raise
me! exalt me! Take me on the sole terms on which I can give myself
up to you."
She stretched her arms out, pleading; she turned those subtle eyes
to him, appealingly. She was a beautiful woman. Alan Merrick was
human. The man in him gave way; he seized her in his clasp, and
pressed her close to his bosom. It heaved tumultuously. "I could
do anything for you, Herminia," he cried, "and indeed, I do
sympathize with you. But give me, at least, till to-morrow to
think this thing over. It is a momentous question; don't let us be
precipitate."
Herminia drew a long breath. His embrace thrilled through her.
"As you will," she answered with a woman's meekness.
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