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 our love, I dissolve it of my own free will, if you wish to return to the baron’s arms. I do not care for happiness if you are not happy. Decide yourself at this sacred moment. Whatever you resolve to do, even if you dismiss me, I shall love and honour you always, as sure as God above us hears my words.”

“I have decided already,” Jenny answered, looking with inexpressible love at Doubek. “You are a true, a noble-hearted man, Joseph. When I confessed my fall to you, you raised me up with your great heart; you have washed and cleansed me, not with compassion, not with pity, but with love—true, real, heavenly love—which cannot be won without some sacrifice, be it ever so hard to make.”

Mr. Doubek drew her to him and kissed her.

“And what will be done with Pepíc̓ek?” asked Father Cvok, moodily.

“Yes, what shall we do with our little son, Jenny?” repeated Mr. Doubek, gently.

Jenny fixed her eyes on the priest, who understood her look, and stretched out both his arms to the child.

“Yes, dear friend, as long as you wish to have him, let him be yours.”

“That is right, Miss Jenny,” said Cvok, joyfully. “I would not have given him up, either. Indeed, I have deserved him, too. Heavens! such a dear little fellow!”