"
"And during these long years in the Convent, Amelie,--when we seemed
utterly forgotten to each other?"
"You were not forgotten by me, Pierre! I prayed for you then,--
earnest prayers for your safety and happiness, never hoping for
more; least of all anticipating such a moment of bliss as the
present. Oh, my Pierre, do not think me bold! You give me the
right to love you without shame by the avowal of your love to me."
"Amelie!" exclaimed he, kissing her in an ecstasy of joy and
admiration, "what have I done--what can I ever do, to merit or
recompense such condescension as your dear words express?"
"Love me, Pierre! Always love me! That is my reward. That is all
I ask, all my utmost imagination could desire."
"And this little hand, Amelie, will be forever mine?"
"Forever, Pierre, and the heart along with it."
He raised her hand reverently to his lips and kissed it. "Let it
not be long," said he. "Life is too short to curtail one hour of
happiness from the years full of trouble which are most men's lot."
"But not our lot, Pierre; not ours.
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