the sun at midday
More than once her companion was forced to wipe the tears from his cheeks , as he listened to the sad recital , while his eyes lingered affectionately upon the faithful girl who -- as he learned from Mr. Bryant -- had so heroically tried to provide for the necessities of one whom , it was evident , he had loved with more than ordinary affection . When she had concluded her story he remained silent for a few moments , as if to fortify himself for the revelations which he had to make ; then he remarked : `` Your mother and I , Miss Edith , were ` neighbors and playmates ' during our childhood -- ` schoolmates and friends ' for long years afterward , she would have told you ; but -- ever since I can remember , she was the dearest object the world held for me . This affection grew with my growth until , when I was twenty-one years of age , I asked her to marry me . Her answer was like obscuring the sun at midday , for she told me that she loved another ; she had met Albert Allendale , and he had won , apparently without an effort , what I had courted for many years . I could not blame her , for I was but too conscious that he was my superior , both physically and mentally , while the position he offered her was far above anything I could hope to give her -- at least , for a long time . But it was a terrible blow to me , and I immediately left the country , feeling that I could never remain here to witness the happiness that had been denied me . During my exile I heard from them occasionally , through others , and of the ideal life they were leading ; but I never once thought of returning to this country until about six months ago , when , my health suddenly failing , I felt that I would at least like to die upon my native soil .