As they stood regarding each other with troubled eyes, the embankment of his prudence gave way, and the stored passion broke out.
"You don't _mean_ you would like to see me married, Letty ?" he groaned.
"Yes, indeed, I do, Cousin Godfrey! You would make such a lovely husband!" "Ah! I thought as much! I knew you never cared for me, Letty!" He dropped her hands, and turned half aside, like a figure warped with fire.
"I care for you more than anybody in the world--except, perhaps, Mary," said Letty: truthfulness was a part of her.
"And I care for you more than all the world!--more than very being--it is worthless without you.

O Letty! your eyes haunt me night and day! I love you with my whole soul." "How kind of you, Cousin Godfrey!" faltered Letty, trembling, and not knowing what she said.

She was very frightened, but hardly knew why, for the idea of Godfrey in love with her was all but inconceivable.
Nevertheless, its approach was terrible.

Like a fascinated bird she could not take her eyes off his face.

Her knees began to fail her; it was all she could do to stand.