Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart!
Does your memory stray?
To a bright summer day,
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart!
- Elvis Presley
The night was restless; so was Frank's heart. He wondered why he could not rest easy; after all, what was she to him? Even his disinterested heart acknowledged the truth in Victor's words: there was indeed something in those eyes that could force any man to servitude.
He debated what it was: was it the undiluted love or was it her innocent heart that mirrored through those eyes; or could it be the absolute faith with which she wore his love around her.... 'his love?' His blood raged again in his veins – what a wretch!
He immediately set down to frame the letter...words were scarce and ill-formed at first but soon he overcame any reserve that he might have and painted the picture as it was.
He spoke of his friend's betrayal and his anxiety for her. He appealed to her reason and good sense and advised her not be misguided by Victor's words which rung hollow within. He pleaded with her to end all connection with him immediately. He advised her to look within her soul wherein she would find true guidance.
In the end he added the postscript: "I feel myself bound to you in some strange manner unknown to myself; but know it in your heart as I put it on this piece of paper: I am and will always remain your friend. I will appear before you in person and explain everything should you require validation to all my claims."
Once this done, he felt unburdened, he had done his duty.
The next day he sent the letter to her. He had given her an hour's time to read it through. He knew many storms rose within her heart, she might require an explanation to all this. He had braced himself up: he may have to deal with a torrent of tears, perhaps accusations too.
Time went by slowly that day... and he waited nervously, expecting a call from her every minute. But hours went by- one, two, and three: growing his anxiety by degrees with every passing hour.
Before long it was evening, he desired to know the extent of damage his letter had done to her. He needed to know how she had taken the news. So, he went straight to her house and demanded to see her.
She walked into the room composed and greeted him with a polite smile. He was confused, he had expected a rush of emotions, a blunt tongue at his service, even an indignant eye... but no... they only wore a tired look about them... apparently, they had been shedding tears.
Her face betrayed the calm forbearance of a nun. Why was she holding herself back? Why doesn't she give vent to her feelings? He could handle them; he would comfort her!
No, she had resigned herself to fate. His penetrating glance tortured her; she walked away from him to the window and stayed there looking out. The fullness of her heart allowed a gentle sigh; she let the tears flow and wash her feverish cheeks.
He knew that she was graceful and quaint; but even he could not have foreseen such elegance in such fall. Could such a woman truly exist in this world, in this age where grace drowns itself in alcohol and charisma courtesies itself out of the window?
He paced about the room, occasionally stopping to look at her: 'I know how it pains you to learn of the betrayal, but I could not let you be in dark any more. Forgive me if I have hurt you but you must know the truth and the truth is plain...Victor will marry Amy very soon.'
Another sigh escaped her lips, her heart swell with emotion, he saw her struggle with them with the diffidence of a fallen angel. She will take it...she will endure all...it was brought on her by herself.
'I see you wish to endure the pain without a word in complain.' – he said at length
A deep sigh rose and fell: her only response. 'No, you must not!' -- he protested, 'You must not let anything or anyone break you so. He does not deserve you or your affection. Why do you waste yourself on him? Why should you rue the loss of him, who has never valued you? Let reason guide you; withdraw your heart and every dear feeling from him. You had rather lavish it on one who will treasure it.'
She turned gently to face him and looking into his eyes, said calmly - 'Love does not understand reason and intellect cannot comprehend the workings of the heart?' The bitter truth in her words stared at him straight in his face. What a wretch Victor was!
With what heavy heart Frank returned home. It rained heavily that night and many subsequent nights. His anxious heart ached and deeply felt her loss. His evening strolls frequently brought him to her window where they terminated with a desire for a glimpse of her.
She would often come to the window... a sad figure, eyes turned towards the heaven, perhaps in prayer, perhaps in hope. Looking at her so, broke his heart. He did not know if she ever noticed he stood there for her and that she could approach him for help.
On one bright Sunday morning... the morning of Amy and Victor's wedding, Frank was on his way to the church when he had noticed a shuffle around Lydia's boarding house.
He stopped by; he couldn't enter the church without meeting her once. The truth was that he hardly knew what he wanted. He had longed to see her the previous evening... the last evening of her hopes, yet he dreaded her woeful sight.
All evening, he had hated everything and detested every one of the guests, most of all - the groom himself.
But today he would not evade her; his heart was full of her misery. He will give her company while the others went through the wedding ceremony. So, he went in but the housekeeper informed him that Lydia had left early in the morning. She then handed him an envelope.
He opened the letter and read:
I thank you with all my heart... please know that I am aware of all that you have done for me and felt for me. There has been silence between us but I know how uneasy you have been for me.
Misfortunes are easily endured with friends by our side. You have been more than a friend to me, for you have wept my tears. I am sorry to have caused you such weary concern. I do not know where I go ... somewhere peaceful perhaps.