I think I could bear everything with you, if it were all known--if you came to woo me like--like--the others.

Even if they abused you--if they spoke of your doubtful origin--of your poverty--of your hardships! When they aspersed you, I could fight them; when they spoke of your having no father that you could claim, I could even lie for you, I think, Harry, and say that you had; if they spoke of your poverty, I would speak of my wealth; if they talked of your hardships, I should only be proud of your endurance--if I could only keep the tears from my eyes!" They were there now.

He kissed them away.
"But if they threatened you?
If they drove me from the house ?" "I should fly with you," she said, hiding her head in his breast.
"What if I were to ask you to fly with me now ?" he said, gloomily.
"Now!" she repeated, lifting her frightened eyes to his.
His face darkened, with its old look of savage resentment.

"Hear me, Maruja," he said, taking her hands tightly in his own.

"When I forgot myself--when I was mad that day in the conservatory, the only expiation I could think of was to swear in my inmost soul that I would never take advantage of your forgiveness, that I would never tempt you to forget yourself, your friends, your family, for me, an unknown outcast.