We were engaged to each other--and--and--" "I thought you cared nothing for such conventions!" She began to cry again, silently.
"Valerie--darling--" "No--you don't understand," she sobbed.
"Understand what, dearest--dearest-- "That I thought our love was its own protection--and mine." He made no answer.
She knelt there silent for a little while, then put her hand up appealingly for his handkerchief.
"I have been very happy in loving you," she faltered; "I have promised you all there is of myself.

And you have already had my best self.

The rest--whatever it is--whatever happens to me--I have promised--so that there will be nothing of this girl called Valerie West which is not all yours--all, all--every thought, Louis, every pulse-beat--mind, soul, body....

But no future day had been set; I had thought of none as yet.
Still--since I knew I was to be to you what I am to be, I have been very busy preparing for it--mind, soul, my little earthly possessions, my personal affairs in their small routine....

No bride in your world, busy with her trousseau, has been a happier dreamer than have I, Louis.