[_Starting up_.]
No! You must not! I dare not keep you here.--I fear the worst!
DIANE.
What do you mean?
PAUL.
Don't ask me. I do not know myself. But you--when you are gone--you
will not forget me?
DIANE.
Not while memory lasts!
PAUL.
And I--perhaps I--some day--shall be free to seek you.
DIANE.
God grant that day is near!
PAUL.
And we--when we meet again, will you find courage to acknowledge who I
am?
DIANE.
Nay--if you desire it--I'll prove my deathless love before I go.--I'll
tell my father all.
PAUL.
No, never!--Never till I've won a name that even your proud father is
forced to honour. Meantime, I ask but this--your love and trust, while
I have life to strive.
DIANE.
You shall have it!--Yes, through sunshine and shadow, I will love and
trust you to the end.
[_They embrace_.
DUKE.
[_Outside_.]
Nanette, the coach is ready: be quick, bear our baggage to the door.
[PAUL _and_ DIANE _separate quickly. Entering, the_ DUKE _glances
suspiciously at the two, then advances to_ PAUL.]
Paul Kauvar, let us not part in bitterness. I owe you much; I grieve
to see you suffer. Courage! Believe me, I never honoured you as I do
now.
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