"Do you mean that you wish to ask me to be--to be THAT--to you ?" "Yes, dear," he answered, gently; but in his voice vibrated the quiet of strong self-control.

"At least I came out here intending to ask it of you.

But I cannot ask it now, beloved.

I can't ask you TO BE what you ARE already.

No promise, no ceremony, no giving or receiving of a ring, could make you more my wife than you have been just now in those wonderful moments." Jane slowly turned and looked at him.