You wish to make an honest and a useful and a
distinguished career. You know you have weaknesses. I needn't remind
you--need I--that you have had to fight those weaknesses? How could you
have won thus far if you had been responsible for others instead of being
alone, and certain that the consequences would fall upon yourself only? I
want to see you continue to win. I don't want to see you dragged down by
extravagance, by love for this woman, by ambition of the kind her friends
approve. I don't want to see you--You were silent when Stokely insulted
you!"
"Love--such love as mine--and for such a woman--and with such love in
return--drag down? Impossible!"
"Not so--not exactly so, though I must say you are plausible. But don't
forget that you and she are not starting out to make a career. Don't forget
that she is already fixed--her tastes, habits, friendships, associations,
ideals already formed. Don't forget that your love is the only bond between
you--and that it may drag you toward her mode of life instead of drawing
her towards yours. Don't forget that your own associations and temptations
are becoming more and more difficult. I repeat, you cringed--yes,
cringed--when Stokely insulted you. Why?"
Howard was silent.
"And," the Visitor went on relentlessly, "let me remind you that not only
did you give her up without a struggle a few months ago but also she gave
you up without a word.
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