But just as we reached the shrubbery, I said:
"Gabriel, I have something to tell you."
"And so have I," said he, "something to tell you. But you first."
"No," I replied; "you first."
It was for one moment a great relief to think that he was about to
save me from the trial I dreaded.
We took a few more steps in silence; I was looking down, not at him.
I felt my heart beat more than ever, fear was still there, but of a
different kind; I awaited his words as one might await a death-blow.
But they did not come. Suddenly he halted, and I, too.
"Well?" said I, and I lifted my head.
There he stood, smiling at me.
"Do you remember 'Peer Gynt'?" asked he. "That was the bush."
I looked at the laurel, and then at him again.
"Why, yes," said I; "that was the bush."
His dear eyes were gazing into mine; I could not look away again.
There came a tremor over all my body; my love for him swept over me
in throbbing waves of pain; I fell towards him, stifling a cry
against his breast. And he, wrapping his arms about me, strained me
to him with great force.
"Emilia!" he cried, "I love you very much; I have never told you how
much I love you!"
I knew it to be the last cry of his conscience, but, as I lay there
listening to the beat of his heart, there fled from me what little
yet remained of my conquered spirit's strength and noble purpose.
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