Page 83 (1/2)

"Sleep now, knowing you're safe," he said to her "I'll take care of you forever You saved Amadeo," he whispered "You kept him alive until I could come "

Drealossy and slow

"Ah for you to love me for that alone?" she asked

I realized suddenly that what she said was bitter, and that she was bestowing a confidence on hihts!

"I love you whether or not you dress in gold or wear pearls, whether or not you speak wittily and quickly, whether or not you ant place in which I can rest, I love you for the heart here inside you, which caer that those who knew or loved the Englishe and for what you know of being alone "

Her eyes widened for aalone? Oh, I know very hat it means to be utterly alone "

"Yes, brave one, and now you know I love you," he whispered "You always knew that Amadeo loved you "

"Yes, I do love you," I whispered, lying next to her, holding her

"Well, now you know I love you as well "

She studied hiuor "There are so ue," she said

"They don't matter," Marius said He kissed her and I think he let his teeth touch her tongue "I take all your questions and I cast theinal heart," he said "Love whom you will, quite safe in the love we feel for you "

It was the signal to withdraw

As I stood at the foot of the bed, he placed the embroidered covers over her, careful to fold the fine Fleher white wool blanket, and then he kissed her again, but she was like a little girl, soft and safe, and fast asleep

Outside, as we stood on the edge of the canal, he lifted his gloved hand to his nostrils, and he savored the fragrance of her on it

"You've learntof who you are But do you see no close you ht come?"