Now, now I am afraid, for the
first time in my life, clear, the first time!"
"Dearest lass in the world," I said, "it must be. I shall not go
to your father's. To-morrow night, I make my great stroke for
freedom, and when I am free I shall return to fetch my wife."
"You will try to escape from here to-morrow?" she asked, her
face flushing finely.
"I will escape or die," I answered; "but I shall not think of
death. Come--come and say with me that we shall part no more--in
spirit no more; that, whatever comes, you and I have fulfilled our
great hope, though under the shadow of the sword."
At that she put her hand in mine with pride and sweetness, and
said, "I am ready, Robert. I give my heart, my life, and my honour
to you--forever."
Then, with great sweetness and solemnity she turned to the
clergyman: "Sir, my honour is also in your hands. If you have
mother or sister, or any care of souls upon you, I pray you, in
the future act as becomes good men."
"Mademoiselle," he said earnestly, "I am risking my freedom,
maybe my life, in this; do you think--"
Here she took his hand and pressed it.
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