"
"Well," said Mr. Kemble, firmly, as he rose, "she shall never
marry him as he is, with my consent. I don't feel your confidence
about Helen's power to restore him. I tell you, Hobart, I'm in
sore straits. Helen is the apple of my eye. She is the treasure of
our old age. God knows I remember what you have done for her and
for us in the past; and I feel that we shall need you in the
future. You've become like a son to mother and me, and you must
stand by us still. Our need will keep you up and rally you better
than all Dr. Barnes' medicine. I know you well enough to know
that. But take the medicine all the same; and above all things,
don't give way to anything like recklessness and despair. As you
say, God has imposed the burden. Let him give you the strength to
bear it, and other people's burdens too, as you have in the past.
I must go now. Don't fail me."
Wise old Mr. Kemble had indeed proved the better physician. His
misgivings, fears, and needs, combined with his honest affection,
had checked the cold, bitter flood of despair which had been
overwhelming Martine.
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