“For several reasons.”
“Tell me them.”
“Because you have done the abbé good. Aforetime he was often sad. You remember his saying that he had cares. I know not what, but now he seems himself again.”
“Anything else?”
“Si, señor. You have also increased my happiness. Not that I was unhappy before, for, thanks to the dear abbé, my life has been free from sorrow; but during the last month—since you came—I have been more than happy, I have been joyous.”
“You don’t want me to go, then?”
“O señor! Want you to go! How can you—what have I done or said?” exclaimed the girl, impetuously and almost indignantly. “Surely, sir, you are not tired of us already?”
“Heaven forbid! If you want me to stay I shall not go. It is for you to decide. Angela mia, it depends on you whether I go away soon—how or whither I know not—or stay here all my life long.”
“Depends on me! Then, sir, I bid you stay.”
“Oh, Angela, you must say more than that. You must consent to become my wife; then do with me what you will.”