“I was glad you were safe. Don’t let this jail alarm you. I ’ll be out too soon for my good I’m afraid.”
“No other woman has come into your heart to cheer it even with her friendship since I’ve been away, has she?”
“What a silly question. I’ve never looked at any other woman since the day I first saw you!”
“Tell me you love me again!”
“I—love—you, unto the uttermost, in life, in death, forever!” he whispered tenderly.
She sighed and smiled. “The sweetest music the ear of a woman ever heard!” she half laughed, half cried.
“Now, my dear, you are a full-grown woman in the beauty of a perfect womanhood. For five years and more, I have waited and suffered. My life is an open book before you. When are you going to end this suspense? You must decide now whether your father’s will shall rule your life or my love?”
“Must I decide to-day?” she asked tremblingly.
“Yes,” he answered. “It is not fair to torture me longer.”
“Then I give up!” she tearfully exclaimed. “God forgive me if I am doing wrong! I can not resist you longer. I do not desire to,—I will not! I am all yours, forever—soul, body, will, honour, life—all! I can not live without you. I love you. I love you!—Kiss me!—again—ah, your lips are sweeter than honey! Am I bold to say it? I do not care, I am yours. Your arms are the bonds of my slavery and they are sweet!”