Why, I know not.
I felt somehow that the situation was even more serious than ever.

But I was steeled to whatever might come.

My mind had been already made up.
To carry out my resolve to win the woman I loved I was ready to face death.

But now, after we had for a few brief moments held each other in our arms, I was willing to accept death--or more than death.

Now, more than before, was she sweet and dear to me.