‘It would be very unchristianlike to hate you for an act of which you are innocent.’
‘No doubt, but I can imagine a woman hating a man under such circumstances. You take away your hand. Yes, I feel convinced that you detest me.’
‘I took away my hand because I thought you had forgotten to let it go,’ said Laura, determined not to be too serious. ‘Will it really make you more satisfied with yourself if I tell you that I heartily forgive my adopted father for his will?’
‘Infinitely.’
‘And that, in spite of our ridiculous position towards each other, I do not quite—hate you.’
‘Laura, you are making me the happiest of men.’
‘But I am saying very little.’
‘If you knew how much it is to me! A world of hope, a world of delight, an incentive to high thoughts and worthy deeds, a regeneration of body and soul.’
‘You are talking wildly.’
‘I am wild with gladness. Laura, my love, my darling.’