When he was quite out of hearing Nora arose and threw herself into her sister's arms, crying:
"Oh, Hannah, consent! consent! I cannot live without him!"
The elder sister caressed the younger tenderly; told her of all the dangers of a secret marriage; of all the miseries of an ill-sorted one; and implored her to dismiss her wealthy lover, and struggle with her misplaced love.
Nora replied only with tears and sobs, and vain repetitions of the words:
"I cannot live without him, Hannah! I cannot live without him!"
Alas, for weakness, willfulness, and passion! They, and not wise counsels, gained the day. Nora would not give up her lover; would not struggle with her love; but would have her own way.
At length, in yielding a reluctant acquiesence, Hannah said:
"I would never countenance this—never, Nora! but for one reason; it is that I know, whether I consent or not, you two, weak and willful and passionate as you are, will rush into this imprudent marriage all the same! And I think for your sake it had better take place with my sanction, and in my presence, than otherwise."
Nora clasped her sister's neck and covered her face with kisses.
"He means well by us, dear Hannah—indeed he does, bless him! So do not look so grave because we are going to be happy."