Djalma started, and could not restrain a cry of surprise and joy; but this almost trembling exclamation was so soft and sweet, that it seemed rather the expression of ineffable gratitude, than of exulting passion.

Adrienne continued:  “Separated—­surrounded by treachery and fraud—­mutually deceived as to each other’s sentiments—­we yet loved on, and in that followed an irresistible attraction, stronger than every opposing influence.  But since then, in these days of happy retirement from the world, we have learned to value and esteem each other more.  Left to ourselves in perfect freedom, we have had the courage to resist every temptation, that hereafter we might be happy without remorse.  During these days, in which our hearts had been laid open to each other, we have read them thoroughly.  Yes, Djalma!  I believe in you, and you in me—­I find in you all that you find in me—­every possible human security for our future happiness.  But this love must yet be consecrated; and in the eyes of the world, in which we are called upon to live, marriage is the only consecration, and marriage enchains one’s whole life.”

Djalma looked at the young lady with surprise.

“Yes, one’s whole life! and yet who can answer for the sentiments of a whole life?” resumed Adrienne.  “A God, that could see into the future, could alone bind irrevocably certain hearts for their own happiness; but, alas! to human eyes the future is impenetrable.  Therefore, to accept indissoluble ties, for any longer than one can answer for a present sentiment, is to commit an act of selfish and impious folly.”

Djalma made no reply, but, with an almost respectful gesture, he urged the speaker to continue.

“And then,” proceeded she, with a mixture of tenderness and pride, “from respect for your dignity and mine, I would never promise to keep a law made by man against woman, with contemptuous and brutal egotism—­a law, which denies to woman soul, mind, and heart—­a law, which none can accept, without being either a slave or perjured—­a law, which takes from the girl her name, reduces the wife to a state of degrading inferiority, denies to the mother all rights over her own children, and enslaves one human creature to the will of another, who is in all respects her equal in the sight of God!—­You know, my love,” added the young lady, with passionate enthusiasm, “how much I honor you, whose father was called the Father of the Generous.  I do not then fear, noble and valiant heart, to see you use against me these tyrannical powers; but, throughout my life, I never uttered a falsehood, and our love is too sacred and celestial to be purchased by a double perjury.  No, never will I swear to observe a law, that my dignity, and my reason refuse to sanction.  If, to-morrow, the freedom of divorce were established, and the rights of women recognized, I should be willing to observe usages, which would then be in accordance with my conscience, and with what is just, possible,