Jane.Yes, I love you! Yes, I love you! And—believe me, Gilbert, this is the truth, as I were on my death-bed—I have never loved any other than you! Even in my sin, even in the depths of my crime, I loved you! I had no sooner fallen into the arms of the demon who ruined me than I wept for my angel!
Gilbert.Forgotten! forgiven! Say no more of that, Jane. Bah! what does the past matter? Who could resist your voice? Who would do otherwise than I have done? Ah, yes, I forgive everything, everything, my beloved child! The essence of love is indulgence and pardon. Jane, jealousy and despair dried the tears in my eyes, but I forgive you; I thank you; you are to me the only truly radiant object in this world, and at every word you utter I feel a sorrow die and a joy spring to life in my heart! Jane, raise your head, stand straight, and look at me.—I tell you that you are my child.
Jane.Always noble-hearted! always, my beloved Gilbert!
Gilbert.Oh! I would that I were already without, in flight, far, far away, free, with you!—Why does not the night come?—The boat is not there!—We will leave London at once, Jane,—to-night. We will leave England. We will go to Venice. Men of my craft earn much money there. You will be mine. my God! I am mad; I forgot the name you bear! It is too great a name, Jane!
Jane.What do you mean?
Gilbert.Lord Talbot's daughter.
Jane.I know a nobler name.
Gilbert.What is that?
Jane.Gilbert the carver's wife.
Gilbert.Jane!
