“Oh, I am so glad,” and she sighed.
“And sigh for gladness?”
“Sigh partly for gladness—that is a woman’s way, Gerard; yet not all for gladness, but partly in fear lest even now this plan of ours should in some way miscarry. Your Pascal lingers, and yet I urged him so. Pray look again.”
“He will come surely. Never yet has he failed me. But if he were prevented, it would be no grave matter.”
“No grave matter?” she repeated anxiously.
“I have learnt all and more than all I came to learn, and there is no longer need for concealment. Parlous as my plight seems, yet I am not in such peril as you deem, Gabrielle.”
“I do not understand. What came you to learn?”
“You do not ask me who I am.”
“You will tell me in your own time, I know.”
“What a trusting heart is yours, Gabrielle! What proof you have given me of your love! Yet I know how I must have tried you. Have you not even guessed why I came?”