But , when I came home , you almost broke my heart . That was why I flirted so with all those poor , nice boys -- I wanted to hurt you but I never thought I succeeded . You just went on being FATHERLY . Then , when you brought Frank here , I almost gave up hope ; and I tried to make up my mind to marry him ; I should have done it if you had insisted . But I had to have one more try for happiness first . I had just one little hope to inspire me with sufficient boldness . I saw you , that night , when you came back here and picked up my rose ! I had come back , myself , to be alone and unhappy . '' `` It is the most wonderful thing that ever happened -- that you should love me , '' I said . `` It 's not -- I could n't help it , '' said Betty , nestling her brown head on my shoulder . `` You taught me everything else , Stephen , so nobody but you could teach me how to love . You 've made a thorough thing of educating me . '' `` When will you marry me , Betty ? '' I asked . `` As soon as I can fully forgive you for trying to make me marry somebody else , '' said Betty . It was rather hard lines on Frank , when you come to think of it . But , such is the selfishness of human nature that we did n't think much about Frank . The young fellow behaved like the Douglas he was . Went a little white about the lips when I told him , wished me all happiness , and went quietly away , `` gentleman unafraid . '' He has since married and is , I understand , very happy .
Not as happy as I am , XXXXX course ; that is impossible , because there is only one Betty in the world , and she is my wife .
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