He knew that she loved him up to a certain point.

But until today she had never openly declared herself.

Today he had ventured to plead his cause with a new fervour, and she had given him the answer his heart so craved.
"I love thee, Anthony; one day I will be thy wife!" He could have cried aloud in his joy and triumph.
"My wife, my wife, my wife! O blessed, blessed thought! For her sake I will achieve all, I will dare all, I will win all.

I have talents--they have told me so; I will use them might and main to win myself fame and renown.

I have friends; they will help me.