"And that my Arcadian love should also have one and draw me—so that passing through the fields——"
"Oh, yes——"
"I might kiss her hand——"
"Yes, yes——"
"And passing through the forests wrap her in my cloak——"
"And crossing the streams on narrow moss-clad logs, support her with my arm—as the dearest and most blessed treasure upon earth!" cried Jacques, seizing the hand of Belle-bouche, which hung down, and enraptured that she did not withdraw it.
Belle-bouche understood perfectly that Jacques referred to their meeting on that day when she had been reading in the forest, and had fled from him across the stream. Her roseate blush betrayed her.
"If only that bright dream of love could be a reality for me!" he whispered; "if one I love so——"
"Oh, Miss Bel! the girls sent for you—the pyramid is ready!" cried the merry voice of little Martha.