Swear endless enmity.

My love has placed her little hand

With noble faith in mine,

And vowed that wedlock’s sacred band

Our nature shall entwine.

My love has sworn, with sealing kiss,

With me to live — to die;

I have at last my nameless bliss.

As I love — loved am I!”

He rose and came towards me, and I saw his face all kindled, and his full falcon-eye flashing, and tenderness and passion in every lineament.

I quailed momentarily — then I rallied. Soft scene, daring demonstration, I would not have; and I stood in peril of both: a weapon of defence must be prepared —