Oh, there are scores of things you do for
her, and if you were to do them a little less willingly, in such a way
as to show her that they interrupt your work and are a slight trial to
you, I--I am sure that would help!"
"She would see through me, Grizel. Elspeth is sharper than you think
her."
"Not if you did it very skilfully."
"Then she would believe I had grown cold to her, and it would break
her heart."
"One of your failings," replied Grizel, giving him her hand for a
moment as recompense for what she was about to say, "is that you think
women's hearts break so easily. If, at the slightest sign that she
notices any change in you, you think her heart is breaking, and seize
her in your arms, crying, 'Elspeth, dear little Elspeth!'--and that is
what your first impulse would be----"
"How well you know me, Grizel!" groaned Sentimental Tommy.
"If that would be the result," she went on, "better not do it at all.
But if you were to restrain yourself, then she could not but reflect
that many of the things you did for her with a sigh David did for
pleasure, and she would compare him and you--"
"To my disadvantage?" Tommy exclaimed, with sad incredulity. "Do you
really think she could, Grizel?"
"Give her the chance," Grizel continued, "and if you find it hard, you
must remember that what you are doing is for her good.
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