And he thought that never before had she looked so
wonderful as she looked on this night when they two,
for the first time, were meeting as lovers.
He said, as he raised her hand to his lips: CI cannot
believe I am awake, ^Eliana, although everything
else in the world seems like a dream.5
She smiled at his courtly, old fashioned gesture;
smiled and wondered when he would kiss her mouth,
when he would take her into his arms: 'And yet I am
very much in love/ she told him, 'from the first time
we met ... it came like that ... all of a sudden
I knew that we must. . . .* She paused^ something
warned her to be on her guard, to tread warily with
this unusual creature for whom she had conceived so
clamorous a need, cthat we two were meant for each
other;3 she finished.
'Yes,5 he answered gravely, CI am sure that I also
was in love from the very first moment I saw you/
He was thinking: 'I must not make her afraid; I
must handle her gently . . . not like that other.
Doubtless she remembers and is feeling afraid.' And at
this thought a great tenderness surged up in him,
a great wave of chivalry, so that he gazed with deep
love in his eyes yet forbore to touch her. Then he
said: 'When we two are married, mon amour, I will
show you how a man can care for a woman — how
strong but how kind a thing love can be.5
'When we two are married?5 she queried in amaze-
ment.
'Yes,5 he smiled, not hearing that incredulous tone,
cand I think that we ought to marry quite soon,
before I leave for my military training. I would have
it quite soon, for I want you so much ... I dare not
let you know how much, -<Eliana.5
Then he told her about the plans he had made,
being sure of obtaining his parents5 consent. Just at
first he would wish her to live in their home; but after*
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