Shall I call her ?" He nodded, preferring probably that I should speak to her in his presence rather than alone.
So I called Marie, who was watching our talk somewhat anxiously while she went about her tasks.

She came at once, a very different Marie to the starving girl of a while before, for although she was still thin and drawn, her youth and beauty were returning to her fast under the influences of good food and happiness.
"What is it, Allan ?" she asked gently.

I told her all, repeating our conversation and the arguments which had been used on either side word for word, as nearly as I could remember them.
"Is that right ?" I asked of Marais when I had finished.
"It is right; you have a good memory," he answered.
"Very well.

And now what have you to say, Marie ?" "I, dear Allan?
Why, this: My life belongs to you, who have twice saved this body of mine from death, as my love and spirit belong to you.
Therefore, I should have thought it no shame if I had been given to you here and now before the people, and afterwards married by a clergyman when we found one.

But my father has sworn an oath which weighs upon his mind, and he has shown you that within six months--a short six months--that oath dies of itself, since, by the law, he can no longer control me.