We can find some safe retreat where we can live happily, where no one will harm us." "But this is mere madness!" cried Diana.
"You will be pursued," remarked the Counsellor; "and most likely overtaken." "Can you not trust your life to me ?" asked Norbert reproachfully.

"I swear that I will devote everything to you, life, thought, and will.

On my knees I entreat you to fly with me." "I cannot," murmured she; "it is impossible." "Then you do not love me," said he in desponding accents.

"I have been a thrice-besotted fool to believe that your heart was mine, for you can never have loved me." "Hear him, merciful powers! he says that I, who am all his, do not love him." "Then why cast aside our only chance of safety ?" "Norbert, dearest Norbert!" "I understand you too well; you are alarmed at the idea of the world's censure, and----" He paused, checked by the gleam of reproach that shone in Diana's eyes.
"Must it be so ?" said she; "must I condescend to justify myself?
You talk to me of the world's censure?
Have I not already defied it, and has it not sat in judgment upon me?
And what have I done, after all?
Every act and word that has passed between us I can repeat to my mother without a blush rising to my cheek; but would any one credit my words?
No, not a living soul.

Most likely the world has come to a decision.