It was the noblest motive I had ever felt.
Moved by an impulse I could not resist, I stopped in our walk, and falling to my knee pressed her hand ardently to my lips.

Madge did not withdraw her hand, nor did she attempt to raise me.

She stood in passive silence.
The sun's rays had risen as the sun had sunk, and the light was falling like a holy radiance from the gates of paradise upon the girl's head.

I looked upward, and never in my eyes had woman's face appeared so fair and saintlike.

She seemed to see me and to feel the silent outpouring of my affection.