"You know that I love you!"
"No, I don't."
"You must have seen it--must have guessed it--since the happy hour in which I first saw you."
"Do not speak to me thus, I implore you," said she, colouring deeply, and covering her face with her beautiful hands.
"Why, Valerie, dearest, dearest Valerie?"
"I must not--dare not listen to you."
"Dare not?"
"I speak the truth," said she, and her breast heaved.
"Will you marry me, Valerie?"
"I cannot marry you."