CROSS-CURRENTS
Reading edition
They parted—a pallid, trembling I pair, And rushing down the lane He left her lonely near me there; —I asked her of their pain.
“It is for ever,” at length she said, “His friends have schemed it so, That the long-purposed day to wed Never shall we two know.”
“In such a cruel case,” said I, “Love will contrive a course?” “—Well, no . . . A thing may underlie, Which robs that of its force;
“A thing I could not tell him of, Though all the year I have tried; This: never could I have given him love, Even had I been his bride.
“So, when his kinsfolk stop the way Point-blank, there could not be A happening in the world to-day More opportune for me!
“Yet hear—no doubt to your surprise— I am sorry, for his sake, That I have escaped the sacrifice I was prepared to make!”