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“Your own feeling tells you that you were not what you are. I am. That which promised happiness when we were one in heart, is fraught with misery now that we are two. How often and how keenly I have thought of this, I will not say. It is enough that I have thought of it, and can relase you.”

“Have I ever sought release?”

“In words. No. Never.”

“In what, then?”

“In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another atmosphere of life; another hope as its great end. In everything that made my love of any worth or value in your sight. If this had never been between us, tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now? Ah, no!”

“You think not.”

“I would gladly think otherwise if I could. Heaven knows. When I have learned a truth like this. I know how strong and irresestible it must be. But if you were free today, tomorrow, yesterday, can I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl— you who, in your very confidence with her, weigh everything by gain; or, choosing her, if for a moment you were false enough to your guiding principle to do so, do I not know that your repentance and regret would surely follow? I do; and I release you. With a full heart, for the love of him you once were.”

-Scrooge and Belle-

(A Christmas Carol)