I wish I could have taken long strides like you, and have walked along without stopping.

You will think I am a child." Silvere smiled, and Miette, though the darkness prevented her from seeing him, guessed that he was doing so.

Then she continued with determination: "You must not always treat me like a sister.

I want to be your wife some day." Forthwith she clasped Silvere to her bosom, and, still with her arms about him, murmured: "We shall grow so cold; come close to me that we may be warm." Then they lapsed into silence.

Until that troublous hour, they had loved one another with the affection of brother and sister.