She would
naturally have selected the governess herself, but she was at some
distance. She would like to see Mrs. Butts before engaging her
finally, but she thought that as this advertisement presented itself,
I might make some preliminary inquiries. Perhaps, however, now that
Mrs. Butts knew the facts, she would object to living in the house.
I put it in this way, feeling sure that she would catch my meaning.
"I am afraid that this situation will not suit me. I could not go
backwards and forwards so far every day."
"I understand you perfectly, and feared that this would be your
decision. But if you hesitate, I can give you the best of
references. I had not thought of that before. References of course
will be required by you as well as by me."
I put my hand in my pocket for my pocket-book, but I could not find
it. We had now reached a part of our road familiar enough to both of
us. Along that very path Ellen and I had walked years ago. Under
those very trees, on that very seat had we sat, and she and I were
there again. All the old confidences, confessions, tendernesses,
rushed upon me. What is there which is more potent than the
recollection of past love to move us to love, and knit love with
closest bonds? Can we ever cease to love the souls who have once
shared all that we know and feel? Can we ever be indifferent to
those who have our secrets, and whose secrets we hold? As I looked
at her, I remembered what she knew about me, and what I knew about
her, and this simple thought so overmastered me, that I could hold
out no longer.
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