If he had ever had any doubt of the completeness, the intensity of his love for her, that doubt would have been dispelled at that moment.

The desire to take her in his arms, to crush her to him, was almost overwhelming; but he remembered that, though he had been loving her all these months, had been thinking of her so constantly that it seemed as if they had been in actual communication, she did not know this.

He must go gently with this beautiful creature; he must not frighten her by word or look.
"I'm sorry he didn't tell you; I'm sorry you were so startled," he said, very softly, very gently.

"I thought he would have done so." "I am ashamed," she said, blushing, and forcing a smile to her lips, which were not yet quite steady.

"It is very foolish of me; for--for why should I be startled, why should you not be here, anywhere ?" She made as if to rise; but he put out his hand, as if to stay her, and she sank down again.
"Well, there are reasons why I should not come back, as you know," he began; but she looked up quickly and broke in.
"Oh, no, there are not! Don't you know, have they not told you?
You have no cause now for--for concealment." "I've heard nothing," he said.