The first day I saw you I fell in love with you; I love you now with all my soul." She looked at my face steadily, but did not speak a word.
"Voltaire has found out this, and he too wants you for his wife; so he has been trying--is trying--to drive me away from here.

How I cannot tell you; but what I have said is true!" I spoke rapidly, passionately, and I saw that her face became alternately pale and red, but she did not reply.
"Am I bold to speak thus ?" I asked.

"I think I must be, for I have scarcely known you a week.

But I cannot help it.

My life is given up to you.