The dusk , sweet night seemed to soothe her as it always did . She leaned her head against the poplar by the gate . How long Spencer Morgan had been standing by her she did not know , but when she looked up he was there . In the dim light she could see how haggard and hollow-eyed he had grown . He had changed almost as much as herself . The girl 's first proud impulse was to turn coldly away and leave him . But some strange tumult in her heart kept her still . What had he come to say ? There was a moment 's fateful silence . Then Spencer spoke in a muffled voice . `` I could n't go away without seeing you once more , Estella , to say good-bye . Perhaps you wo n't speak to me . You must hate me . I deserve it . '' He paused , but she said no word . She could not . After a space , he went wistfully on . `` I know you can never forgive me -- no girl could . I 've behaved like a fool . There is n't any excuse to be made for me .
I do n't think I could have been in my right senses , XXXXX .
Estella Morgan dusk excuse first fool heart night space tumult