I love you, too, Leo!" She pulled his hand to her lips and quickly kissed it, frightened but unashamed.
"Gretchen, Gretchen!" She stopped.

"What is it ?" keenly.

"There was pain in your voice." "The thought of how I love you hurts me.

There is nothing else, nothing, neither riches nor crowns, nothing but you, Gretchen.

How long ago was it I met you first ?" "Two weeks." "Two weeks?
Is it not years?
Have I not always known and loved you ?" "And I! What an empty heart and head were mine till that wonderful day! You were tired and dusty and footsore; you had walked some twenty odd miles; yet you helped me with the geese.