What I wish to be as sure of is that you love me as I love you.' For a moment she stood quiet, her head sunk almost to her breast, then she lifted it and her eyes shone as I had never seen them shine before.
'Can you doubt it, Thomas ?' she said.
And now I took her in my arms and kissed her on the lips, and the memory of that kiss has gone with me through my long life, and is with me yet, when, old and withered, I stand upon the borders of the grave.

It was the greatest joy that has been given to me in all my days.

Too soon, alas! it was done, that first pure kiss of youthful love--and I spoke again somewhat aimlessly.
'It seems then that you do love me who love you so well.' 'If you doubted it before, can you doubt it NOW ?' she answered very softly.

'But listen, Thomas.

It is well that we should love each other, for we were born to it, and have no help in the matter, even if we wished to find it.