"It is for pity then that you are willing to do this thing?"
"You have said it," he replied, not wishing to repeat the unkind word.
"God bless you for your pity," she said humbly, crossing her hands as in prayer.
There was a deep silence. He stood with his head bowed, thinking, and waiting for her to speak. She was looking at the sky as if she wished to read there the word of her destiny. But in her heart and in her mind, from the sky, and from the glorious landscape, only one word could she, would she, hear.
"Well, Anna, what have you to say?"
"Why do you ask? I love you, and without you I should die. Anything is better than death. You are my life."
"Then you will be my wife and my friend," he said resolutely.
"Thank you, love," and she knelt before him.