I must feel that you are mine beyond all peradventure--must be able to think of you as my wife, and that will hold us both and make it proper for you to come to me if I cannot come to you, the moment you are free to go where you will." "But why this long ride, this far-away spot?
Why couldn't a minister be found in Lucerne?
Is our marriage to be as secret as our engagement?
Is that what you wish, Carleton ?" "Yes, dear; for a little while, just for a little while, till I have seen my mother, and rid our way of every obstacle to complete happiness.

It will be better.

When one has promised to love _forever_, what are a few weeks or months.

Make me happy, dear.

You have it in your power to do so.
Happy! When once I can whisper 'wife,' the world will not hold a happier man than I." Did she yield because of her own great longing?
No, it was by that phrase he caught her: _The world will not hold a happier man than I_.
* * * * * Mountains! Icy peaks, with sides heavy with snow! And so near! Almost they seemed to meet across the narrow valley.