It was difficult to prevent this , so long had she been accustomed to pour out all her feelings in harmony . The necessity for restraint irked her and made of her bow a clumsy thing which no longer obeyed her wishes . More than ever at that instant did she long for speech -- speech that would conceal and protect where dangerous silence might betray . In a low voice that trembled with earnestness Eric told her that he loved her -- that he had loved her from the first time he had seen her in that old orchard . He spoke humbly but not fearfully , for he believed that she loved him , and he had little expectation of any rebuff . `` Kilmeny , will you be my wife ? '' he asked finally , taking her hands in his . Kilmeny had listened with averted face . At first she had blushed painfully but now she had grown very pale . When he had finished speaking and was waiting for her answer , she suddenly pulled her hands away , and , putting them over her face , burst into tears and noiseless sobs . `` Kilmeny , dearest , have I alarmed you ? Surely you knew before that I loved you . Do n't you care for me ? '' Eric said , putting his arm about her and trying to draw her to him . But she shook her head sorrowfully , and wrote with compressed lips , `` Yes , I do love you , but I will never marry you , because I can not speak . '' `` Oh , Kilmeny , '' said Eric smiling , for he believed his victory won , `` that does n't make any difference to me -- you know it does n't , sweetest . If you love me that is enough . '' But Kilmeny only shook her head again . There was a very determined look on her pale face . She wrote , `` No , it is not enough .
It would be doing you a great wrong to marry you when I can not speak , and I will not do it because I love you too much XXXXX do anything that would harm you .
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