ed for labour—not for love： which is true； no doubt。 But； in my opinion； if I am not formed for love； it follows that I am not formed for marriage。 Would it not be strange； Die； to be chained for life to a man who regarded one but as a useful tool？”
“Insupportable—unnatural—out of the question！”
“And then；” I continued； “though I have only sisterly affection for him now； yet； if forced to be his wife； I can imagine the possibility of conceiving an inevitable； strange； torturing kind of love for him； because he is so talented； and there is often a certain heroic grandeur in his look； manner； and conversation。 In that case； my lot would bee unspeakably wretched。 He would not want me to love him； and if I showed the feeling； he would make me sensible that it was a superfluity； unrequired by him； unbeing in me。 I know he would。”
“And yet St。 John is a good man；” said Diana。
“He is a good and a great man； but he forgets； pitilessly； the feelings and claims of little people； in pursuing his own large views。 It is better； therefore； for the insignificant to keep out of his way； lest； in his progress； he should trample them down。 Here he es！ I will leave you； Diana。” And I hastened upstairs as I saw him entering the garden。
But I was forced to meet him again at supper。 During that meal he appeared just as posed as usual。 I had thought he would hardly speak to me； and I was certain he had given up the pursuit of his matrimonial scheme： the sequel showed I was mistaken on both points。 He addressed me precisely in his ordinary manner； or what had； of late； been his ordinary manner—one scrupulously polite。 No doubt he had invoked the help of the Holy Spirit to subdue the anger I had roused in him； and now believed he had forgiven me once more。