"Never," I answered.
"Whatever happens to either of us we belong to each other for ever."
"For ever and ever," I replied.
I felt his hands tighten at that, and after another moment of silence, he said:
"I may be a long time away, Mary."
"I can wait."
"Down there a man has to meet many dangers."
"You will come back. Providence will take care of you."
"I think it will. I feel I shall. But if I don't. . . ."
I knew what he was trying to say. A shadow seemed to pass between us. My throat grew thick, and for a moment I could not speak. But then I heard myself say: