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"I do not wish to bar your path to glory," said Telimena, "or to

hinder your happiness! You are a man, you will find a sweetheart

worthier of your love; you will find one richer and fairer! Only

for my consolation, let me know before we part that your liking

for me was a true affection, that it was not merely a jest or

wanton lust, but love; let me know that my Thaddeus loves me! Let

me hear once more from your lips the words 'I love,' let me grave

them in my heart, and write them in my thoughts; I shall forgive

more easily, though you cease to love me, remembering how you

have loved me!"

And she began to sob.

Thaddeus, seeing that she wept and implored him so feelingly, and

that she required of him only such a trifle, was moved; sincere

sorrow and pity overcame him, and if he had searched the secrets

of his heart, perhaps at that moment he himself could not have

told whether he loved her or not. So he spoke eagerly:-