"Even then, if I had hesitated, I should have been lost. But I
went on, without pausing--
"`Eunice, I love you--I have loved you since we first met. I came
here that I might be near you; but I must leave you forever, and
to-night, unless you can trust your life in my keeping. God help
me, since we have been together I have lost my faith in almost
everything but you. Pardon me, if I am impetuous--different from
what I have seemed. I have struggled so hard to speak! I have
been a coward, Eunice, because of my love. But now I have spoken,
from my heart of hearts. Look at me: I can bear it now. Read the
truth in my eyes, before you answer.'
"I felt her hand tremble while I spoke. As she turned towards me
her face, which had been averted, the moon shone full upon it, and
I saw that tears were upon her cheeks. What was said--whether
anything was said--I cannot tell. I felt the blessed fact, and
that was enough. That was the dawning of the true Arcadia."
Mrs. Billings, who had been silent during this recital, took her
husband's hand and smiled.
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