But it has told me so much that I feel is true, and that chimes in with my own experience.

It has told me much besides, that I am glad to have been taught.

Hear me then, dear Edith, and smile not carelessly at my words, for I have now learned to tremble when I speak, in fear lest I should offend you." She would have spoken words of assurance--she would have taught him to think better of her affections and their strength; but his impetuosity checked her in her speech.
"I know what you would say, and my heart thanks you for it, as if its very life depended upon the utterance.

You would tell me to have no such fear; but the fear is a portion of myself now--it is my heart itself.
Hear me then, Edith--_my_ Edith, if you will so let me call you." Her hand rested on his assuringly, with a gentle pressure.

He continued-- "Hitherto we have lived with each other, only with each other--we have loved each other, and I have almost only loved you.