I reasoned with myself; and I shut my eyes on horrors, and again I was very bold to accept the worst.

What mattered it, if that imperious sentiment survived; if her eyes still beckoned and attached me; if now, even as before, every fibre of my dull body yearned and turned to her?
Late on in the night some strength revived in me, and I spoke:-- 'Olalla,' I said, 'nothing matters; I ask nothing; I am content; I love you.' She knelt down awhile and prayed, and I devoutly respected her devotions.
The moon had begun to shine in upon one side of each of the three windows, and make a misty clearness in the room, by which I saw her indistinctly.

When she rearose she made the sign of the cross.
'It is for me to speak,' she said, 'and for you to listen.

I know; you can but guess.

I prayed, how I prayed for you to leave this place.