I waited , sick at heart . But he did not come -- he has never come . We have never heard a word of or about him since . Sometimes I feel sure he can not be still living . But never a day dawns that I do n't say to myself , ` Perhaps he will come today ' -- and , oh -- '' She broke down again , sobbing bitterly . Amid all the daze of his own pain Alan realized that , at any cost , he must not make it harder for her by showing his suffering . He tried to speak calmly , wisely , as a disinterested friend . `` Could it not be discovered whether your -- this man -- is or is not living ? Surely your father could find out . '' Lynde shook her head . `` No , he says he has no way of doing so . We do not know if Captain Harmon had any relatives or even where his home was , and it was his own ship in which he sailed . Father would be glad to think that Frank Harmon was dead , but he does not think he is . He says he was always a fickle-minded fellow , one fancy driving another out of his mind . Oh , I can bear my own misery -- but to think what I have brought on you ! I never dreamed that you could care for me . I was so lonely and your friendship was so pleasant -- can you ever forgive me ? '' `` There is nothing to forgive , as far as you are concerned , Lynde , '' said Alan steadily . `` You have done me no wrong . I have loved you sincerely and such love can be nothing but a blessing to me .
I only wish XXXXX I could help you .
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