My father's indifference leaves me the free disposal of myself," she said, holding out the ring.

"Take it, Emmanuel.

My mother valued you--she would have chosen you." The young man turned pale with emotion and fell on his knees beside her, offering in return a ring which he always wore.
"This is my mother's wedding-ring," he said, kissing it.

"My Marguerite, am I to have no other pledge than this ?" She stooped a little till her forehead met his lips.
"Alas, dear love," she said, greatly agitated, "are we not doing wrong?
We have so long to wait!" "My uncle used to say that adoration was the daily bread of patience,--he spoke of Christians who love God.

That is how I love you; I have long mingled my love for you with my love for Him.