"But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry."

     I was silent: I thought he mocked me.

     "Come, Jane--come hither."

     "Your bride stands between us."

     He rose, and with a stride reached me.

     "My bride is here," he said, again drawing me to him, "because my equal is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me?"

     Still I did not answer, and still I writhed myself from his grasp: for I was still incredulous.

     "Do you doubt me, Jane?"

     "Entirely."

     "You have no faith in me?"

     "Not a whit."