But let us talk of something else. Have you seen Alban?"
"I met him this morning on the moor. He was walking alone and gazing at the turf. He did not see me. I daresay he was thinking of someone. Does he not, Stella, desire the day when she shall be his?"
"He thinks it well to wait."
"If so, he does not love like me. Oh, Stella, how can you delay? Why do you not take pity on me?"
"For the present I am bound to him. If I were not I would come; Gerard, you know I would come. You should carry me wherever you would; but I must keep my word and do my duty. When Alban is married I shall be only for the great God and for you."
"This is a chivalric notion of yours, Stella; but it is a mistaken one, I think."
"Perhaps it may be my whim, Gerard; but I believe I am right. However, since it is a sore subject, let us leave it. Let us walk on together and enjoy the morning, for the sun is already high and the best part of the day will soon be over."
