"You felt it—before this you knew it," she murmured amid her tears.
"Yes, yes, I felt it; what need has the heart of words? I felt it truly, as now; but the sound is so sweet from your lips. Isabel; say it again."
"Yes, why not, as we shall part so soon. I love you, oh, how much I love you!"
"Then stay with me."
"No, no!"
"I can and will protect you from every annoyance. Stay with me,
Isabel!"
"Oh, if I could—if I only could!" cried the young creature, looking wistfully at him, "but that terrible, terrible oath."
"Forget it—the oath, if you made one, was an act of frenzy—cast it aside as such. You can, you will, my beloved. A little time, a little patience, and all will be well. Come, come, stop crying, my heart aches to see your tears. Be comforted, and say once more that you love me."
"I do, I do!"
"And that you will never leave me?"