"
"But I have gained my promotion and much more. I can offer you now a
far higher position. You will be a lady, a great lady, some day!"
"It matters little, my Stanislas, so long as I am with you. I would
have been content to share your lot, however humble, anywhere."
This was her simple, unquestioning faith. Her love filled all her
being. She belonged, heart and soul, to this man.
"You will not leave me again, Stanislas?" she went on, with tender
insistence.
"My sweet, I must go back. My duty is there, in the Crimea, with my
comrades--with the army of my Queen."
"But if anything should happen to you--they may hurt you, kill you!"
"Darling, there is no fear. Be brave."
"Oh, Stanislas! Suppose I should lose you--life would be an utter
blank after that; I have no one in the world but you."
McKay was greatly touched by this proof of her deep-seated affection.
"It is only for a little while longer, my sweetest girl! Be patient
and hopeful to the end. By-and-by we shall come together, never to
part again."
"I am weak, foolish--too loving, perhaps. But, Stanislas, I cannot
bear to part with you. Let me go too!"
"Dearest, that is quite impossible."
"If I was only near you--"
"What! you--a tender woman--in that wild land, amidst all its dangers
and trials!"
"I should fear nothing if it was for you, Stanislas.
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