Well, Gilbert, there is no more to be said.

I loved her, selfishly, after the manner of mankind.

I could not bring myself to give her up, and pursued her with a passionate persistence which must plead _her_ excuse.

If her uncle had lived, I doubt whether I should ever have succeeded.

But his death left the tender womanly heart weakened by sorrow; and so I won her, the dearest, truest wife that ever man was blest withal.