Stafford was moved to his inmost heart, and for a moment, as he held
her within the embrace of his strong arms, he could not command his
voice sufficiently for speech. At last he murmured, his lips seeking
hers: "Ida! I swear that I will love you forever and forever!"
"But--but--if you break your vow, you promise that you will not come to
me--tell me? I shall know. Promise, ah, promise!"
"Will nothing less content you? Must I?" he said, almost desperate at
her persistence. "Then I promise, Ida!"