Louise loved him in return.

The first effect upon his mind was to produce a blank incredulity; he stared at her as if to ascertain whether or not this was in truth she; for though he well knew he possessed her friendship, he had never conceived so fantastic a possibility as that of winning her love.

Then a swift exaltation succeeded.

He swam in a kind of spiritual ether.
"Louise, Louise, my dear beloved!" he murmured.
He caught her hand, pressed it.

She glanced at him without replying, looked away, back again.