Duncan leaned toward her, and spoke in the deep, soft tones Marion remembered so well. "I feel," he said, "that heaven has sent us this peaceful night to show us that happiness can be a reality."
"It is fortunate that perfect happiness seldom comes," she replied; "the monotony of it would be unendurable."
"Do you think it would be monotonous always to love?" he asked.
"Not if it were possible," she answered after a moment of thought.
"I know it is possible," he said firmly.
"How?" she asked, looking up into his face.
His hand touched hers. "Because, when I look into your eyes, I feel a love which no power on earth could change." She let her hand remain in his, but she turned her face away. "How can I know this love is sincere?" she asked.
"By driving the cruel spirit out of your heart. You may send me away again as you did last winter, but I will come back, for, Marion, I love you, and I must have your love." Instinctively she started to her feet. Duncan was quickly by her side. His arm was about her, and she felt his lips against her cheek.
"I love you, my Marion," he whispered passionately; "you shall not leave me." For a moment she rested her head against his breast and felt the embrace of his strong arms.
"If it were not a sin, Duncan," she said, looking up into his eyes, "I might love you."