Then we both found out that we had made a mistake -- that what we had thought was love was merely the affection of good comrades . We broke our engagement shortly before you went away . All the older girls knew it was broken but I suppose nobody mentioned the matter to Jen . She was such a child , we never thought about her . And you 've thought I was Tom 's wife all this time ? It 's -- funny . '' `` Funny . You mean tragic ! Look here , Esme , I 'm not going to risk any more misunderstanding . There 's nothing for it but plain talk when matters get to such a state as this . I love you -- and I 've loved you ever since I met you . I went away because I could not stay here and see you married to another man . I 've stayed away for the same reason . Esme , is it too late ? Did you ever care anything for me ? '' `` Yes , I did , '' she said slowly . `` Do you care still ? '' he asked . She hid her face against his shoulder . `` Yes , '' she whispered .
`` Then we 'll go back XXXXX the house and be married , '' he said joyfully .
Esme Tom about against as because before for since to