He kissed her tenderly, the joy of possession the greater for the dangers that they ran.
"You're trembling, Marishka. Don't worry."
But she clung to him anew.
"If anything should happen now—that I have you again."
"Dearest! I, too, have suffered with you—but I haven't despaired. I would never have given you up, you know," he said with a smile.
"I've never wanted you to give me up, Hugh. I've tested you cruelly—because—because—my pride was hurt——"
"It had to be, Marishka. But you've survived it——"
"My love is greater—greater than anything in the world to me," she murmured. "Danger has proved it—and yours——"
"It needed nothing. I love you—now and always."
"You forgive?"