"I do not know what to think," I answered. "I am seeking light. In any
event, Swain merits some consideration. Miss Vaughan should, at least,
listen to what he has to say. She promised to marry him."
"She has withdrawn that promise."
"She has never said so."
"She has withdrawn it in choosing as she has chosen. They who serve in
the temple of Siva turn their backs on marriage."
I put the words away from me with a gesture.
"That means nothing to me," I said. "I know nothing of the temple of
Siva. I wish to know nothing, for mysticism repels me. But I do know
that she gave her word; I do know that she loved him."
"Earthly love fades and passes," said the yogi, solemnly. "She has
given her heart to the Master," and he made his gesture of reverence.
There was anger in my eyes as I looked at him. How was one to reply to
such jargon?
"I would point out to you, Senor Silva," I said, "that Miss Vaughan is
not yet of legal age, and so not quite her own mistress."
"Does your law interfere in matters of the heart?" he inquired
blandly; "or in matters of religion?"
"No," I said, flushing at his irony; "but the law demands that, until
she is of age, she have a guardian to protect her interests.
Pages:
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257