"Then what else can they oppose to our wish? Here are all the objections, and all seem to be worthless. Yet there might be one more. You are very young—how I rejoice in knowing it, sweet flower!—perhaps your love of me is a mere illusion. It ought to be tested by time; very likely it may die away, and give place to something truer."
"If so let me die myself sooner than survive such happiness!"
"Why, then what have they to say for themselves? Their opposition is mistake, stubborn error. And are we to sacrifice two whole years, the best time of our lives, to such obstinacy? Either of us may die, Cecily. Suppose it to be my lot, what would be your thoughts then?"
His head bent to hers, and their faces touched.
"Dare you risk that, my love?"
"I dare not."
Her answer trembled upon his hearing as though it came upon the night air from the sea.
"You will come with me to-morrow?"
"I will."
He sought her offered lips, and for a few instants their whispering in the shadow ceased. Then he repeated rapidly the directions he had already given her.