DIANE.
You came no longer. The sunshine lost its smile—the flowers faded.
PAUL.
And yet, amidst the fearful tumult of these distracted times, we met once more.
DIANE.
[Starting up.]
Oh, my God! That meeting! I see the frightful scene again! My father there before me—old—helpless, dragged from his own house by a horde of brutal beasts.—I, shrieking, fighting vainly at his side—amidst their mocking laughs and jeers. Ah! I can hear them now—yes, and high above their hideous jests, rings out a clarion voice—'tis yours—silencing this crowd of curs!—With what sublime audacity you claim my father as your cousin, saving him and me, by the coolness of your courage!—Paul, from that hour you were more than man to me; you were a God, a hero, my father's Saviour!
PAUL.
[Rising.]
Better than all that now—your lover—guardian—husband.