In short , Eric , I think it is possible that Kilmeny may speak sometime -- if she ever wants it badly enough . '' `` Wants to ! Why , man , she wants to as badly as it is possible for any one to want anything . She loves me with all her heart and she wo n't marry me because she ca n't speak . Do n't you suppose that a girl under such circumstances would ` want ' to speak as much as any one could ? '' `` Yes , but I do not mean that sort of wanting , no matter how strong the wish may be . What I do mean is -- a sudden , vehement , passionate inrush of desire , physical , psychical , mental , all in one , mighty enough to rend asunder the invisible fetters that hold her speech in bondage . If any occasion should arise to evoke such a desire I believe that Kilmeny would speak -- and having once spoken would thenceforth be normal in that respect -- ay , if she spoke but the one word . '' `` All this sounds like great nonsense to me , '' said Eric restlessly . `` I suppose you have an idea what you are talking about , but I have n't . And , in any case , it practically means that there is no hope for her -- or me . Even if your theory is correct it is not likely such an occasion as you speak of will ever arise . And Kilmeny will never marry me . '' `` Do n't give up so easily , old fellow . There HAVE been cases on record where women have changed their minds . '' `` Not women like Kilmeny , '' said Eric miserably . `` I tell you she has all her mother 's unfaltering will and tenacity of purpose , although she is free from any taint of pride or selfishness . I thank you for your sympathy and interest , David . You have done all you could -- but , heavens , what it would have meant to me if you could have helped her ! '' With a groan Eric flung himself on a chair and buried his face in his hands .
It was a moment which held XXXXX him all the bitterness of death .
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