"Your blindness is a favor from God."
"But do you remember that omen which the falcon gave when she drew our hands together? It was destiny beyond a doubt."
"I remember."
"When at Lubni I used to go from sadness to Solonitsa and see you there just as if present, if I stretched forth my hand you disappeared; but you will not escape me again, for I think that nothing will stand in our way now."
"If anything does, it will not be my will."
"Tell me again that you love me."
Helena dropped her eyes, but answered with dignity and decision: "As nobody in the world."
"If any one should surround me with honor and gold, I should prefer those words of yours; for I feel that you speak the truth, though I do not know why I deserve such favor from you."
"Because you had pity on me, drew me to you, took my part, and spoke words such as I had never heard before."
Helena was silent from emotion, and the lieutenant began again to kiss her hand.