I resolved that I would have another interview with her--the last for the
present--that I would then leave her, and set to work upon maturing my
plan as fast as possible. We got a chance of being alone together, and
then I gave myself the loose rein, and told her how passionately and
devotedly I loved her. She said little in return, but her tears (which I
could not refrain from answering with my own) and the little she did say
were quite enough to show me that I should meet with no obstacle from
her. Then I asked her whether she would run a terrible risk which we
should share in common, if, in case of success, I could take her to my
own people, to the home of my mother and sisters, who would welcome her
very gladly. At the same time I pointed out that the chances of failure
were far greater than those of success, and that the probability was that
even though I could get so far as to carry my design into execution, it
would end in death to us both.
I was not mistaken in her; she said that she believed I loved her as much
as she loved me, and that she would brave anything if I could only assure
her that what I proposed would not be thought dishonourable in England;
she could not live without me, and would rather die with me than alone;
that death was perhaps the best for us both; that I must plan, and that
when the hour came I was to send for her, and trust her not to fail me;
and so after many tears and embraces, we tore ourselves away.
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