"'I have a thing to tell you.'
"She waited with declined brow and ringlets drooped.
"'I have to tell you that for four years you have been growing into your tutor's heart, and that you are rooted there now. I have to declare that you have bewitched me, in spite of sense, and experience, and difference of station and estate. You have so looked, and spoken, and moved; so shown me your faults and your virtues--beauties rather, they are hardly so stern as virtues--that I love you--love you with my life and strength. It is out now.'
"She sought what to say, but could not find a word. She tried to rally, but vainly. I passionately repeated that I loved her.

"'I have a thing to tell you.'
"She waited with bent head.
"'I have to tell you that for four years you have been growing into your tutor's heart, and that you are rooted there now. I have to declare that you have bewitched me, in spite of sense, and experience, and difference of estate. You have so shown me your faults and your virtues - beauties rather, they are hardly so stern as virtues - that I love you - love you with my life and strength.'
"She sought what to say, but could not find a word. I passionately repeated that I loved her.
