He looked down gloomily.
"Oh," he said bitterly, "your heart answers already; it does not respond to the simple language of my feelings. I truly do not know how to raise excitement and restless emotion. The servant of the Church cannot hope to cause the fiery passion that a--young officer----"
She stood still. Her face was very pale, and her eyes were fixed upon him with a proud look.
He stopped suddenly, as if displeased with himself, and his excited features resumed their usual smooth and calm expression.
"Cousin," she said coldly, "I must beg you not to continue this conversation now. Examine your own feelings, and give me time. My father----"
"Your father's wishes are my own," he said.
She bent her head, and a melancholy look passed over her face.
"My father," she then said, "cannot wish me to make any promise without examining my own heart."
"And you will tell me your decision, when you have made this examination?"
"Yes," said she. "Now leave me, I beg."