"Didst not know that for long years I have loved thee?—for ever, I think!"
"I did not know—no, indeed!" said the girl.
"If thou hadst known it, lass, what wouldst thou have done?"
She did not answer at once, but continued to rock herself backwards and forwards, and even to moan a little.
"Tell me, Gwladys," Ivor said again; and at last her answer came in clear, firm tones:
"Whatever thou wouldst, Ivor."
"Wouldst have married Hugh Morgan?"
"Oh, never, never! But now I must. Beth na'i? beth na'i?"[[4]]
"No, no, lass, it must not be—shall not be! I have hungered too much for thy love to let it slip from me now. 'Tis not too late! I will go to Hugh Morgan and tell him all. Thou know'st him, Gwladys—a man who never did a mean thing—a man who would tear out his heart sooner than injure his friend! I will go to him, and tell him, 'Gwladys' love is mine—not thine—and, by heaven! thou shalt not have her!'"
His voice was hoarse with eagerness, and the hand that held hers trembled with excitement.