Were it for your happiness I would do more than that, I would give you back your freedom, but from what I hear, it seems that you need a wife in name and I will be but fulfilling your desire in holding that place for you.

I will never disgrace the position high as it is above my poor deserts.

When the day comes--if the day comes--that you need or feel you need the sustainment of my presence or the devotion of my heart, no power on earth save that of death itself, shall keep me from your side.

Till that day arrives I remain what you have made me, a bride who lays no claim to the name you this morning bestowed upon her.' And with a gesture that was like a benediction, she turned, and noiselessly, breathlessly as a dream that vanishes, left the room.
"Sirs, I believe I uttered a cry and stumbled towards her.

Some one in that room uttered a cry, but it may be that it only rose in my heart and that the one I heard came from my father's lips.