How strange a thing this love was, that it should change a man so! "I don't want to force you to answer," he said, after a pause.

"Yes, I do! I'd give half the remainder of my life to hear you say the one word, 'yes.' But I won't.

It's too--too precious.

Ah, don't you understand! I want your love, your love, Ida!" "Yes, I understand," she murmured.

"And--and I would say it if--if I were sure.