It would probably have met a
rebuff from the princess part of her; for what a perversity, both
royal and feminine, she wanted all the freedom for herself. In short,
like any other woman, she would rather love than be loved, that is,
until surrender day should come; then of course....
After these last two meetings, although the invitations came
frequently, none was accepted. Brandon had contrived to have his
duties, ostensibly at least, occupy his evenings, and did honestly
what his judgment told him was the one thing to do; that is, remain
away from a fire that could give no genial warmth, but was sure to
burn him to the quick. I saw this only too plainly, but never a word
of it was spoken between us.
The more I saw of this man, the more I respected him, and this curbing
of his affections added to my already high esteem. The effort was
doubly wise in Brandon's case. Should love with his intense nature
reach its height, his recklessness would in turn assert itself, and
these two would inevitably try to span the impassable gulf between
them, when Brandon, at least, would go down in the attempt.
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