I made a mistake and I must pay the penalty of that mistake . You understand me ? '' `` I understand , '' she answered simply . `` I do not excuse myself -- I have been weak and cowardly and disloyal . But I have conquered myself -- I will be true to the woman to whom I am pledged . You and I must not meet again . I will crush this madness to death . I think I have been delirious ever since that day I saw you first , Magdalen . My brain is clearer now . I see my duty and I mean to do it at any cost . I dare not trust myself to say more . Magdalen , I have much for which to ask your forgiveness . '' `` There is nothing to forgive , '' she said steadily . `` I have been as much to blame as you . If I had been as resolute as I ought to have been -- if I had sent you away the second time as I did the first -- this would not have come to pass . I have been weak too , and I deserve to atone for my weakness by suffering . There is only one path open to us . Esterbrook , good-bye . '' Her voice quivered with an uncontrollable spasm of pain , but the misty , mournful eyes did not swerve from his . The man stepped forward and caught her in his arms .
`` XXXXX , good-bye , my darling .
Esterbrook Magdalen arms cost day first good-bye penalty second weakness