“But why,” said the young man, “why run the chance of that occurring which so nearly happened? If Rose had⁠—I cannot utter that word now⁠—if this illness had terminated differently, how could you ever have forgiven yourself! How could I ever have know happiness again!”

“If that had been the case, Harry,” said Mrs. Maylie, “I fear your happiness would have been effectually blighted, and that your arrival here, a day sooner or a day later, would have been of very, very little import.”

“And who can wonder if it be so, mother?” rejoined the young man; “or why should I say, if ?⁠—It is⁠—it is⁠—you know it, mother⁠—you must know it!”