You think that you are wretched; how do
you know that I am not fifty times as wretched? Your lot is to lose
your lover, mine is to have one forced upon me and endure him all my
life. The worst of your pain is over, all mine is to come."
"Why? why?" broke in Belle. "What is such a promise as that? He cannot
force you to marry him, and it is better for a woman to die than to
marry a man she hates, especially," she added meaningly, "if she
happens to care for somebody else. Be advised by me, I know what it
is."
"Yes," said Ida, "perhaps it is better to die, but death is not so
easy. As for the promise, you do not seem to understand that no
gentleman or lady can break a promise in consideration of which money
has been received. Whatever he has done, and whatever he is, I /must/
marry Mr. Cossey, so I do not think that we need discuss the subject
any more."
Belle sat silent for a minute or more, and then rising said that she
must go. "I have warned you," she added, "although to warn you I am
forced to put myself at your mercy. You can tell the story and destroy
me if you like. I do not much care if you do. Women such as I grow
reckless."
"You must understand me very little, Mrs. Quest" (it had always been
Belle before, and she winced at the changed name), "if you think me
capable of such conduct.
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