The morbid impression that he would be only
another complication, and of necessity an embarrassment to Helen
and her family, was in a measure removed. Mere words of general
condolence would not have helped him; an appeal like that to the
exhausted soldier, and the thought that the battle for him was not
yet over, stirred the deep springs of his nature and slowly
kindled the purpose to rally and be ready. He rose, ate a little
of the food, drank the wine, then looked around the beautiful
apartment prepared for her who was to have been his wife, "I have
grown weak and reckless," he said. "I ought to have known her well
enough--I do know her so well--as to be sure that I would cloud
her happiness if this thing destroyed me."
CHAPTER XII
"YOU MUST REMEMBER"
Mr. And Mrs. Nichol wonderingly yet promptly complied with the
request for their presence, meantime casting about in their minds
as to the identity of the relative who had summoned them so
unexpected. Mr. Kemble arrived at the hotel at about the same
moment as they did, and Jackson was instructed to keep the
carriage in waiting.
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