Page 682 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

North, confounded at this sudden reversal of their position
towards each other, crouched bewildered against the wall.
‘I say you shall not go! You shall not destroy your own soul
and hers! You love her! So do I! and my love is mightier than
yours, for it shall save her!’
‘In God’s name—’ cried the unhappy priest, striving to
stop his ears.
‘Ay, in God’s name! In the name of that God whom in my
torments I had forgotten! In the name of that God whom
you taught me to remember! That God who sent you to save
me from despair, gives me strength to save you in my turn!
Oh, Mr. North—my teacher—my friend—my brother—by
the sweet hope of mercy which you preached to me, be mer-
ciful to this erring woman!’
North lifted agonized eyes. ‘But I love her! Love her, do
you hear? What do you know of love?’
‘Love!’ cried Rufus Dawes, his pale face radiant. ‘Love!
Oh, it is you who do not know it. Love is the sacrifice of self,
the death of all desire that is not for another’s good. Love
is Godlike! You love?—no, no, your love is selfishness, and
will end in shame! Listen, I will tell you the history of such
a love as yours.’
North, enthralled by the other’s overmastering will, fell
back trembling.
‘I will tell you the secret of my life, the reason why I am
here. Come closer.’
* * * * * *

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