Madness it must have been, for he had wholly forgotten himself, and all his life had taught him; and for the moment felt that this girl, who loved him, was worth more than everything else in the world would be without her.
That night Lucia saw nothing of the sunset.

Dusk came on, and the fireflies began to flit round them, before the two, who were so occupied with each other, came to the Cottage gate.

When they did so, they had yet a few last words to say.
"What will mamma say ?" Lucia half whispered.

"I am almost afraid to see her." "Will you tell her or shall I?
Which shall you like best?
I will come in the morning." "I shall not sleep to-night if she does not know.

I suppose I must tell her, if you will not come in now." "Not now.