At the same time, there was a conscious self-possession in her bearing which did not escape him.

That was the Elizabeth he loved.
He came to the point at once; and looking her full in the face, began with great earnestness--"Elizabeth, I have a serious accusation to make against you.

You have not been frank towards me--you have disguised your real feelings from me for many years, I am afraid during the whole time we have lived together." He spoke gently, and as though he had no desire to press the charge, but merely waited to hear her make a full acknowledgment before he forgave her.

She stood, however, without raising her eyes from the ground, her face pale, and her bosom heaving.
"And yet how I have loved you, Elizabeth!--more dearly than my life," he added.
She still remained for a moment silent, and had to summon all her courage now to speak.

At last she said, in a rather strained voice, and without lifting her eyes-- "I hear you say it, Salve.