How your voice sounds, and how pale you look!" "I'm not ill, but matters are serious, terribly serious, Maria." "Then it is true that the enemy--" "They gained great advantage to-day and yesterday, but I beg you, if you love me, don't interrupt me now; what I have to say is no easy thing, it is hard to force the lips to utter it.

Where shall I begin?
How shall I speak, that you may not misunderstand me?
You know, child, I took you into my house from a warm nest.

What we could offer was very little, and you had doubtless expected to find more.

I know you have not been happy." "But it would be so easy for you to make me so." "You are mistaken, Maria.

In these troublous times but one thing claims my thoughts, and whatever diverts them from it is evil.