Both had what was called `` a disappointment '' in their girlhood . The sea had not given up Rosemary 's lover ; and Norman Douglas , then a handsome , red-haired young giant , noted for wild driving and noisy though harmless escapades , had quarrelled with Ellen and left her in a fit of pique . There were not lacking candidates for both Martin 's and Norman 's places , but none seemed to find favour in the eyes of the West girls , who drifted slowly out of youth and bellehood without any seeming regret . They were devoted to their mother , who was a chronic invalid . The three had a little circle of home interests -- books and pets and flowers -- which made them happy and contented . Mrs. West 's death , which occurred on Rosemary 's twenty-fifth birthday , was a bitter grief to them . At first they were intolerably lonely . Ellen , especially , continued to grieve and brood , her long , moody musings broken only by fits of stormy , passionate weeping . The old Lowbridge doctor told Rosemary that he feared permanent melancholy or worse . Once , when Ellen had sat all day , refusing either to speak or eat , Rosemary had flung herself on her knees by her sister 's side . `` Oh , Ellen , you have me yet , '' she said imploringly . `` Am I nothing to you ? We have always loved each other so . '' `` I wo n't have you always , '' Ellen had said , breaking her silence with harsh intensity . `` You will marry and leave me . I shall be left all alone . I can not bear the thought -- I CAN NOT . I would rather die . '' `` I will never marry , '' said Rosemary , `` never , Ellen . '' Ellen bent forward and looked searchingly into Rosemary 's eyes .
`` Will you promise me XXXXX solemnly ? ''
At by for in into of on that though with