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 But I do feel them, perhaps all the keener because they've been slow to come—and now I want you to love and keep."

He had spoken hurriedly and in a low voice, and now he paused for breath. Elisabeth, who had watched and listened in undisguised amazement, was about to speak. He lifted his hand, motioning her to stop.

"Wait," he said, as if conscious that he dreaded to hear what she might say. "Wait, Elisabeth. There are other things that I would like to say. Elisabeth, you'll believe that all I say is honest and true? I suppose it must have been from the first that I loved you—from that day at Sicaster. I looked and saw you, and you were unhappy—forgive me for speaking of it—and my heart seemed to go out to you, Elisabeth. And then bit by bit it came, and at last I knew it very suddenly. Elisabeth, when a man loves at my age, he loves once for all. It's not a whim nor a fancy—and oh, it's hard to conquer! Elisabeth—"