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 heart. Gilbert, if you know what effect those words of yours have had upon me! They are like an unexpected ray of sunlight in my heart! Oh! pray listen to me! If I dared to go near you, if I dared to touch your garments, if I dared to take your hand in mine, if I dared to raise my eyes to you and to Heaven, as of old, do you know what I would say to you, on my knees, weeping at your feet, with sobs in my throat, and in my heart the joy that angels know? I would say: "Gilbert, I love you!"

Gilbert [seizing her in his arms, in a frenzy of passion.]You love me!

Jane.Yes, I love you!

Gilbert.You love me!—She loves me, O my God! 'Tis true, 'tis she who says it to me; 'twas her lips that spoke. God in Heaven!

Jane.My Gilbert!

Gilbert.You have made everything ready for my escape, you say! Quickly! quickly! Life! I long for life! Jane loves me! This vault rests on my head and crushes me. I need air. I am suffocating here! Let us fly at once! Come, Jane! I want to live! I am loved!

Jane.Not yet. We must have a boat. We must await the darkness. But have no fear, you are saved. Within an hour we shall be outside these walls; the Queen is at the Guildhall, and will not return at once. I am mistress here. I will explain it all to you.

Gilbert.An hour of suspense is very long! Oh! I long to grasp life and happiness once more! Jane! you are here, Jane! I shall live! you love me! I have returned from hell! Hold me, or I shall do some mad thing. I shall laugh and sing. You love me, then?