I kept up the illusion
as long as I could; used to go off alone to read your letters, look at
your picture, and fancy I felt just as at first. Then when I sat down
to write, and remembered how handsome you were, and all that had
happened, the old feelings would come back, and for the time you were
all I cared for. But I am very glad we have had this explanation, and
understand each other. We shall both be happier for it."
I had a little taste of vengeance, even then, when I saw how his vanity
was wounded. He tried to look relieved,--I dare say he tried to feel
so,--but I question very much whether he was pleased with himself that
he had been so cool and philosophical. He did not wish to make me
wretched; but he had expected I would be so, as a matter of course. To
find me so comfortable under the infliction perplexed and disconcerted
him.
"This will not make any coldness between us, I hope?" he said, at last.
"We will be friends still, dear Juanita?"
"Yes," I replied, "we will be friends, dear William. We are a great
deal more in our true relations thus than as lovers."
"And your uncle's family," he inquired,--"shall we explain all to
them?"
"There is no need of that," I answered, carelessly.
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