'Lucy!'—he said, trembling—'are you going to take the seal off my lips—to give me my chance at last?'
To that, only the answer of her eyes,—so sweet, so full of sorrow.
He stooped above her, his whole nature torn between love and doubt.
'You hear me,' he said, in low, broken tones—'but you think yourself a traitor to listen?'
'And how could I not?' she cried, with a sudden sob. And then she found her speech; her heart unveiled itself.
'If I had never, never come!—It is my fault that she is dying—only, only my fault!'
And she turned away from him to hide her face and eyes against the rock, in such an agony of feeling that he almost despaired.
He controlled himself sharply, putting aside passion, collecting his thoughts for dear life.
'You are the most innocent, the most true of tender friends. It is in her name that I say to you—Lucy, be kind! Lucy, dare to love me!'
She raised her arm suddenly and pointed to the ground between them.