And there she was now, standing before him, all his own, absolutely given to him, with the fullest assurance of love on her part, and with the declared consent of her father.

Even he had been a little confused as he opened the door,--even he, as he paused to close it behind him, had had to think how he would address her, and perhaps had thought in vain.

But he had not a moment for any thought after entering the room.

Whether it was his doing or hers he hardly knew; but she was in his arms, and her lips were pressed to his, and his arm was tight round her waist, holding her close to his breast.
It seemed as though all that was wanting had been understood in a moment, and as though they had lived together and loved for the last twelve months with the fullest mutual confidence.

And she was the first to speak:-- "Ferdinand, I am so happy! Are you happy ?" "My love; my darling!" "You have never doubted me, I know,--since you first knew it." "Doubted you, my girl!" "That I would be firm! And now papa has been good to me, and how quickly one's sorrow is over.