`` If you really mean this , Marian , '' he said slowly , `` if you really have come to feel that your truest love is not and never can be mine -- that I can not make you happy -- then there is nothing for me to do but to grant your request . You are free . '' `` Thank you , dear , '' she said gently , as she stood up . She slipped his ring from her finger and held it out to him . He took it mechanically . He still felt dazed and unreal . Marian held out her hand . `` Good-night , Esterbrook , '' she said , a little wearily . `` I feel tired . I am glad you see it all in the same light as I do . '' `` Marian , '' he said earnestly , clasping the outstretched hand , `` are you sure that you will be happy -- are you sure that you are doing a wise thing ? '' `` Quite sure , '' she answered , with a faint smile . `` I am not acting rashly . I have thought it all over carefully . Things are much better so , dear . We will always be friends . Your joys and sorrows will be to me as my own . When another love comes to bless your life , Esterbrook , I will be glad . And now , good-night . I want to be alone now . ''
At the doorway he turned to look back at her , standing XXXXX all her sweet stateliness in the twilight duskness , and the keen realization of all he had lost made him bow his head with a quick pang of regret .
Esterbrook If Marian as from in over that to with