Had she attempted to speak, the effort would have overcome her.
"For heaven's sake, Victorine, let nothing, let nobody deceive you; know the worst, and look to Christ for power to bear it, and you will find the burden not too heavy to be borne.

You and I, love, must part in this world.

We have passed our lives together without one shadow to darken the joy of our union: we have been greatly blessed beyond others.

Can we complain because our happiness on earth is not eternal?
Is it not a great comfort that we can thus speak together before we part; that I have been allowed to live to see your dear face, to feel your breath on my cheek, and to hear your voice?
to tell you, with the assurance which the approach of death gives me, that these sorrows are but for a time, and that our future joys shall be everlasting?
And I must thank you, Victorine, for your tender care, your constant love.

You have made me happy here; you have helped to fit me for happiness hereafter.