I agreed to go on working for the same small wages instead of leaving you, as I might have done, to seek my fortune elsewhere.

You see I am calm, I acknowledge that I was grateful to you for having taught me so much, and I am grateful still.

You have just given me another proof of your confidence in putting this work into my hands to finish.

I am grateful for that.

Well, we have talked of the marriage often; I have lived in your house; I have seen Lucia every day, for you have let us be together as much as we pleased; the result is that I not only am more anxious to marry her than I was before--I love her; I am not ashamed to say so.