I thought you had forgotten me.

I could not make you understand--they have kept me prisoner every evening: but come into my house; you are in danger here.' Meanwhile I could not answer, being overcome with joy, but followed to her little grotto, where I had been twice before.

I knew that the crowning moment of my life was coming--that Lorna would own her love for me.
She made for awhile as if she dreamed not of the meaning of my gaze, but tried to speak of other things, faltering now and then, and mantling with a richer damask below her long eyelashes.
'This is not what I came to know,' I whispered very softly, 'you know what I am come to ask.' 'If you are come on purpose to ask anything, why do you delay so ?' She turned away very bravely, but I saw that her lips were trembling.
'I delay so long, because I fear; because my whole life hangs in balance on a single word; because what I have near me now may never more be near me after, though more than all the world, or than a thousand worlds, to me.' As I spoke these words of passion in a low soft voice, Lorna trembled more and more; but she made no answer, neither yet looked up at me.
'I have loved you long and long,' I pursued, being reckless now, 'when you were a little child, as a boy I worshipped you: then when I saw you a comely girl, as a stripling I adored you: now that you are a full-grown maiden all the rest I do, and more--I love you more than tongue can tell, or heart can hold in silence.

I have waited long and long; and though I am so far below you I can wait no longer; but must have my answer.' 'You have been very faithful, John,' she murmured to the fern and moss; 'I suppose I must reward you.' 'That will not do for me,' I said; 'I will not have reluctant liking, nor assent for pity's sake; which only means endurance.

I must have all love, or none, I must have your heart of hearts; even as you have mine, Lorna.' While I spoke, she glanced up shyly through her fluttering lashes, to prolong my doubt one moment, for her own delicious pride.