He paused again . Beatrice had listened with a gray look on her face . It would have startled him had he glanced up , but he did not , and after a moment 's silence the halting boyish voice went on : `` You have changed everything for me . I was nothing but a clod before . You are not the mother of my body , but you are of my soul . It was born of you . I shall always love and reverence you for it . You will always be my ideal . If I ever do anything worth while it will be because of you . In everything I shall ever attempt I shall try to do it as if you were to pass judgment upon it . You will be a lifelong inspiration to me . Oh , I am bungling this ! I ca n't tell you what I feel -- you are so pure , so good , so noble ! I shall reverence all women for your sake henceforth . '' `` And if , '' said Beatrice , in a very low voice , `` if I were false to your ideal of me -- if I were to do anything that would destroy your faith in me -- something weak or wicked -- '' `` But you could n't , '' he interrupted , flinging up his head and looking at her with his great dog-like eyes , `` you could n't ! '' `` But if I could ? '' she persisted , gently , `` and if I did -- what then ? '' `` I should hate you , '' he said , passionately . `` You would be worse than a murderess . You would kill every good impulse and belief in me .
I would never trust anything or anybody again -- but there , '' he added , his voice once more growing tender , `` you will never fail me , I XXXXX sure of that . ''
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