The treason was certain
to reach the king's ear, and if it did, Hamilton's life would be in
jeopardy. But of that in its turn.
* * * * *
Immediately on my return to London I went down to the Old Swan to see
George, of course having Betty in mind. In truth, Betty had been in mind
most of the time and much to my regret ever since the day I left her.
Even if I had not been plighted to Mary Hamilton, I could not have asked
Betty to be my wife. She would not be happy in my sphere of life, and I
could not live in hers. The painful knowledge of this truth did not in
any way help me to put her out of my thoughts, but rather made my longing
for her all the greater. Since I had learned to know her well, I thought
I meant honestly by her. Still she was a barmaid, and I could not always
bring myself to respect her as she deserved. Time and again I resolved
in all sincerity never to see her again. Since I could not marry her, I
would gain nothing but unhappiness myself and perhaps misery for her by
continuing my suit.
But when back in London, I persuaded myself that it was my duty to see
George, and tried to shut my eyes to the fact that Betty was the real
cause of my anxiety.
When I reached the Old Swan, I soon found Betty, and there could be no
mistake in my reading of the light I saw in her eyes.
After talking with her a minute or two in the tap-room, I asked her to
tell me of Hamilton, and she said hesitatingly that he had left the inn
nearly two months ago.
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