It was not in your power to
save him. No man can be saved from himself, Dannie. Did what he
said make no impression on you?"
"Enough that I would have killed him with my naked hands if he had
na taken it back. Of course he had to retract! If I believed that
of Jimmy, after the life we lived together, I would curse God and
mon, and break fra the woods, and live and dee there alone."
"Then what was he trying to tell you when he died?" asked the
bewildered priest.
"To take care of Mary, I judge."
"Not to marry her; and take her for your own?"
Dannie began to tremble.
"Remember, I talked with him first," said Father Michael, "and
what he confessed to me, he knew was final. He died before he could
talk to you, but I think it is time to tell you what he wanted to
say. He--he--was trying--trying to tell you, that there was nothing
but love in his heart for you. That he did not in any way blame you.
That--that Mary was yours. That you were free to take her. That----"
"What!" cried Dannie wildly. "Are ye sure? Oh, my God!"
"Perfectly sure!" answered Father Michael. "Jimmy knew how long and
faithfully you had loved Mary, and she had loved you----"
"Mary had loved me? Carefu', mon! Are ye sure?"
"I know," said Father Michael convincingly. "I give you my priestly
word, I know, and Jimmy knew, and was altogether willing. He loved
you deeply, as he could love any one, Dannie, and he blamed you for
nothing at all. The only thing that would have brought Jimmy any
comfort in dying, was to know that you would end your life with
Mary, and not hate his memory.
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