He had wondered at the time what Rollin was saying.
"Rachel," Jasper had said, and it was the first time he had ever spoken her first name, "I never knew till tonight how much I loved you.

Why should I try to conceal any longer what you have seen me look?
You know I love you as my life.

I can no longer hide it from you if I would." The first intimation he had of a repulse was the trembling of Rachel's arm in his.

She had allowed him to speak and had neither turned her face toward him nor away from him.

She had looked straight on and her voice was sad but firm and quiet when she spoke.
"Why do you speak to me now?
I cannot bear it--after what we have seen tonight." "Why--what--" he had stammered and then was silent.
Rachel withdrew her arm from his but still walked near him.