"You love me very much?" she asked softly. Villon drew himself up proudly and answered her proudly.
"With all the meaning that the word can have in Paradise."
A faint shade of colour came into the woman's pale, pure cheeks.
"You didn't expect to be taken at your word?"
Villon smiled brightly and his eyes were dancing, though his heart was heavy enough.
"I didn't hope to be, I will try to be worthy of the honour."
The girl's eyes shone with wonder.
"You love and laugh in the same breath," she asserted.
Villon made a deprecatory gesture with his hands, half in protest, half in approval.
"That is my philosophy."