"And did you care?" I said like one in a dream, for truly my joy made me unable to say the words that were wise.
At this she started back, like one ashamed. I saw the tears trickling down her cheeks, and a look which I could not comprehend come into her eyes.
"Oh, it is you, Master Roger Trevanion!" she cried. "Forgive me, I—I did not know. I think I—I am overwrought. You will pay no heed to the foolish words and action of—of one—who—who knew not what she was doing."
But I was eager, fearless, determined now. Knowing my own unworthiness as I did, I could not forget the look in her eyes as she uttered my name.
"Nay, Nancy, my love, turn not away!" I cried.
"But—but—I must—I—I did not know. Oh! what must you think of me?" she sobbed like one ashamed.
"I think you are the best and purest maid God ever sent on earth," I answered. "I—I—O my love, come to me again!"
But she stood still, her hands trembling and her bosom heaving.
"You—you must forget my foolishness, forget it forever," she said wildly. "I was so afraid, I did not know what I was doing!"