Valerie gazed upon him as if she sought to penetrate into his soul.

Maltravers went on.

"Yes, Valerie, when we first met, you aroused a long dormant and delicious sentiment.

But, since then, what deep emotions has that sentiment called forth?
Your graceful intellect--your lovely thoughts, wise yet womanly--have completed the conquest your face and voice began.

Valerie, I love you.