I have but kept her for thee.'" Then she paled, her heart began to beat fast, and the colour came and went in her cheeks; for he had come very near, and she could hear the sharp catch of his breath.
"Mora, my beloved," he said, "every fibre of my being cries out for thee.

Yet I want thy happiness before my own; and, above and beyond all else, I want the Madonna in my home.

Even at our Lady's bidding I cannot take thee.

Not until thine own sweet lips shall say: 'Take me! I have been ever thine.'" She lifted her eyes to his.

In the moonlight, her face seemed almost unearthly, in its pure loveliness; and, as on that night so long ago, he saw her eyes, brighter than any jewels, shining with love and tears.
"Dear man of mine," she whispered, "to-night we are betrothed.