and aunt think it would be a good thing for both of us that we
should be married. What answer will you make me, Marie?' Again she
paused. She had allowed him to take her hand, and as he thus asked
his question he was standing opposite to her, still holding it.
'You have thought about it, Marie, since I was here last?'

'Yes; I have thought about it.'

'Well, dearest?'

'I suppose it had better be so,' said she, standing up and
withdrawing her hand.

She had accepted him; and now it was no longer possible for him to
go back to Basle except as a betrothed man. She had accepted him;
but there came upon him a wretched feeling that none of the triumph
of successful love had come to him. He was almost disappointed,--or
if not disappointed, was at any rate embarrassed. But it was
necessary that he should immediately conduct himself as an engaged
man. 'And you will love me, Marie?' he said, as he again took her
by the hand.

'I will do my best,' she said.

Then he put his arm round her waist and kissed her, and she did not
turn away her face from him. 'I will do my best also to make you
happy,' he said.

'I am sure you will. I believe you. I know that you are good.'
There was another pause during which he stood, still embracing her.