"It is vain to put me off with talk of others. I think you do care for me. My mother will summon all her prejudices and in the end will yield. It is very simple, Pearl. I ask only a word. If you say yes, whatever may then come, we will meet with courage and respect. Do you love me, Pearl?"
She said faintly, "Yes."
He sat silent a moment, and then said, "I thank God!" and, lifting her hand, kissed it.
"Oh, René," she cried, "what have I done?" and she burst into tears. "I did not mean to."
"Is it so hard, dear Pearl? I have made you cry."
"No, it is not hard; but it is that I am ashamed to think that I loved thee long—long before thou didst care for me. Love thee, René! Thou dost not dream how—how I love thee."
"'I know, I know, but—'"