"I asked you to come," said Jean, "so that you should decide what my life is to be. You were the love of my early youth. I want you to be my love always!"
Odile's look was far away, lost in the distance. She trembled slightly, and said:
"What do you mean by that? What are you afraid of? Of entering a disunited family?"
"You would bring them together, I am sure of it. You would be its joy and peace. What do you fear--my father's or your father's opposition because they are now enemies?"
"That could be got over," said the young girl.
"Then it is because your mother detests me," said Jean hastily. "She does hate me, does she not? The other day she was so stiff to me, so offensive."
"She will be slower in believing in you than my father was, slower than I was myself. But when she sees that your education has not changed your mind towards Alsace she will overcome her prejudices."
"I do not think I am making any mistake. To-day's difficulties can be brushed on one side by you or by me, or by both of us. I am only afraid of what I do not know, the least thing which to-morrow might aggravate such a disturbed state----"
"I understand," said Jean, "you are afraid of my father's ambition?"
"We have already suffered much from that. But he is my father. He is set on keeping me here; he says it every day. When he knows that I have chosen you, Odile, if he has personal projects which would prevent our marriage, he will at least put them off. Do not have any fear; we shall win!"
"I am sure of it, Odile. You will make my life, Odile, which will be difficult, perhaps impossible, if you were not there. It was for you that I came back to the country. If I tell you that I have travelled much, and found no woman who had the charm for me that you have, or who made the same impression on me--how shall I tell you? The impression of a mountain stream so fresh and deep! Every time I think of my future marriage your image comes before my eyes. I love you, Odile!"
He took Odile's hand, and she answered, lifting her eyes to the light coming from above the trees.
"God is my witness that I love you, too!"
She thrilled with joy, and Jean felt her hand tremble.
"Yes," said Jean; and he tried to look into her eyes, which were still fixed on the distance.