“No, only by my heart,” Evander answered, simply. “I tell you my soul’s truth. I love you, I shall love you to the end, whether the end come in a battle on a windy heath, or in an oblong box of a bed.”
Brilliana’s eyes were bright and kind.
“You do not know what you are saying. I do not know what you are saying. The world would have to change before I could listen with patience to words of love on the lips of a rebel.”
Evander answered her bravely.
“I know that. I did not hope; but I had to set my soul free. To the end of ends I shall cherish you, live for you, die for you: very lonely, well content.”
Brilliana turned away. The heart of Juliet within her was big almost to breaking.
“The rain ceases; I must go into the air.”
Even as she spoke, the door opened and Tiffany ran in.
“My lady!” she cried; “my lady, John Thoroughgood rides up the avenue on a foundering horse!”
Brilliana gave a great cry and went ghost-white.