It sounded ridiculous to you--of course it did!--but if you only knew how much it meant to me! It meant that I should see you again; perhaps every day for--for a long time: ah, well, it meant just life and death to me.

And now--!" His breath came fast, his eyes dwelt upon her with passionate eagerness; but he forced himself to speak calmly than he might not frighten her from his side, might not lose her.
-- "Now the truth has come upon me, quite suddenly.

It was just now when I saw that you cared what had happened to me, cared if I were hurt!--Oh, I know, it was just because you were frightened, it was just a woman's pity for a fellow that had come to harm, the fear lest I had broken any bones; but--ah, it showed me my heart, it told me how much I loved you! Yes; I love you! You are all the world to me: nothing else matters, _nothing!_" Her lips quivered, but she did not speak, and the look of trouble, of doubt, did not leave her face.

He waited, his eyes seeking hers, seeking them for some sign which might still the passion of fear and suspense with which he was battling, then he said in a low voice that thrilled with the tempest of emotion which raged under his forced calm: "Will you not speak to me?
Are you angry ?" She raised her head and looked at him--a strange look from so young a girl.

It was as if she were fighting against the subtle spell of his words, the demand for her love which shone in his eyes.
"No, I am not angry," she said at last; and her voice, though very low, was calm and unshaken.
He made a movement towards her, but she shrank back, only a little, but perceptibly, and he checked the movement, the desire to take her in his arms.
"You are not angry?
Then--Ida--I may call you so ?--you don't mind my loving you?
Dearest, will you love me just a little in return?
Wait!" for she had shrunk again, this time more plainly.