I spread my hand before my eyes that I might not see her, and answered only by groans.

She took my other hand between her's, and pressing it to her heart, spoke with that voice which had ever swayed my will, and wafted away sorrow.
"My friend! my soul's friend! tell me thy cause of grief.

Do I not merit to partake with thee in thy cares?
Am I not thy wife ?" "This was too much.

I broke from her embrace, and retired to a corner of the room.

In this pause, courage was once more infused into me.