"Love lives no longer now. They tell us that it is only in the fables it is found. Yet I think that they are wrong--nay, it is certain that I know they are--for I love you better than my life!"
Silence. Even the myriad sounds of nature seemed to be suddenly quite still. There was no rustling of leaves, no twittering of birds, there was not even audible the murmuring of the sea. And he went on--
"I pray you tell me--do you love me?"
"Willy!"
That was all she said. Then he stooped and kissed her on the lips. "My dear!" he said.
Then they were still. He did not even draw her to him. He only held her hands and looked upon her face. And she regarded him with shy, proud eyes.
"Why have you been so long?"
"Because I had made myself a promise."
"What promise?"
"That I would earn my prize."