you! A week hence, you know you promised me. You consented. You are my betrothed. Oh! you loved me when you gave me that promise. O Jane! there was a time—do you remember?—when you said, "I love thee!" raising your lovely eyes to Heaven. I would have you like that still. For several months past it has seemed to me that there has been some change in you—especially during these last three weeks when my work has compelled me to be absent sometimes at night. O Jane! I want you to love me. I am used to it. You, who were always so joyous, seem sad and preoccupied now—not cold, poor child; you do your utmost not to be that; but I feel that words of love do not come naturally to your lips as they used. What is it? Is it that you no longer love me? No doubt I am an honest man, no doubt I am a good workman—no doubt, no doubt! But I would rather be a thief and a murderer, and be loved by you!—Jane! if you knew how I love you!
Jane.I do know, Gilbert, and I weep because of it.
Gilbert.For joy, is it not? Tell me that 'tis for joy. Oh! I must believe it. There is nothing else in the world but that—to be loved. I am only a poor artisan, but my Jane must love me. Why do you talk to me forever of what I have done for you? A single word of love, from you, Jane, puts all the gratitude on my side. I will damn myself, I will commit a crime, when you choose. You will be my wife, won't you, and you do love me? Why, Jane, for a glance from you I would give all my toil, for a smile my life, for a kiss my very soul!
Jane.What a noble heart you have, Gilbert!
Gilbert.Listen, Jane! laugh at me if you will—
