The Reconciliation 9 



self-reproach. It was wrong, she said, that he 

 should have allowed himself to suffer on her ac- 

 count: she had always felt that she was not 

 worthy to be his wife. She knew that he had 

 separated from her, notwithstanding, only be- 

 cause of poverty ; and while he lived with her, 

 he had always been kind; and she had never 

 ceased to pray for his happiness. But even if 

 there had been a reason for speaking of amends, 

 this honorable visit would be ample amends ; 

 what greater happiness than thus to see him 

 again, though it were only for a moment? 

 " Only for a moment ! " he answered, with a 

 glad laugh, "say, rather, for the time of 

 seven existences! My loved one, unless you 

 forbid, I am coming back to live with you al- 

 ways always always! Nothing shall ever 

 separate us again. Now I have means and 

 friends : we need not fear poverty. To-mor- 

 row my goods will be brought here; and my 

 servants will come to wait upon you; and we 

 shall make this house beautiful. . . . To-night," 

 he added, apologetically, " I came thus late 

 without even changing my dress only because 

 of the longing I had to see you, and to tell you 

 this." She seemed greatly pleased by these 



