‘I understand you very well, Thyrza,’ he answered, in a subdued voice.  And he added, his eyes brightening:  ’Shall I take you some night to a concert, a really good concert, at one of the large halls?’

‘Will you?’

’Yes, I will.  I’ll find out from the newspaper, and we’ll go together.’

She looked at him gratefully, but did not speak.  As she remained silent, he drew his chair nearer and held his hand for hers.  She gave it, without meeting his look.

’Thyrza, I heard from Mr. Egremont this morning.  He wants to know if I can be ready to begin at the library on May 7, that’s a Monday.  It won’t be opened then, but we shall be able to begin arranging the books.  The house will be ready before the end of this month.  Will you come and be married to me three weeks from to-day?’

‘Yes, Gilbert, I will.’

No flush, but an extreme pallor came upon her face.

He felt a coldness in her hand.

‘Then we shall go for a week to the seaside again,’ he continued, his voice uncertain, ’and be back in time to get our house in order before the 7th of May.’

‘Yes, Gilbert.’

She still did not look at him.  He released her hand, and went on in a more natural tone: 

’I had a letter from my brother this morning, as well.  He’ll have to come to London on business in about a month, he says; so I hope we shall be able to have him stay with us.’

‘I hope so.’

She spoke mechanically, and then followed a rather long silence.  Both were lost in thought.  Nor did the conversation renew itself after this, for Thyrza seemed to have no more to tell of her Eastbourne experiences, and Gilbert found it enough to sit near her at times searching her face for the meaning which was new-born in it.

She rose at length, and, when they had exchanged a few words with regard to her occupations now that she would remain at home, Thyrza approached him to say good-night.  Instead of bending to kiss her at once, he held her hand in both his and said: 

‘Thyrza, look at me.’

She did so.  His hands were trembling, and his features worked nervously.

‘You have never said you love me,’ he continued, just above a whisper.  ‘Will you say that now?’

For an instant she looked down, then raised her eyes again, and breathed: 

‘I love you, Gilbert.’

’I don’t think words were ever spoken that sounded sweeter than those!’

She spoke again, with an earnestness unlike anything he had ever seen in her, quite different from that which had inspired similar words when first she pledged herself to him.

’Gilbert, I will try with all my strength to be a good wife to you!  I will!’

’And I hope, Thyrza, that the day when I fail in perfect love and kindness to you may be the last of my life!’

She raised her face, For the first time he put his arms about her and kissed her passionately.