I said that I was resolved to protect her honour,
to work for her, to establish her firmly and comfortably in the world
which had used her so ill. I told her that, being devoted entirely to
the love of Aurelia, my company could do her no harm; that, on the
contrary, the world, putting the worst construction upon our alliance,
would actually respect her more and do her less injury than if she went
into it alone. "I charge myself with your future, Virginia," I said, "as
if you were my sister. I am young and able; I shall provide for you,
never fear, until you are honourably and happily married. And you shall
accept this service from me--the only one I can do you--upon my own
terms; and respect the bargain that you make with me more than you have
your father's."
She would not look at me, and said nothing; but she gave me both her
hands, and bending her head until she reached them, kissed mine
fervently and with humble gratitude. Thus began the most extraordinary
partnership between a young man and woman which the world can ever have
known.
For the plighting of it, Virginia took all the order and direction. I
remember that she left me for a short time sitting there on the church
steps, and returned with bread and salt, got I know not how or whence.
She broke the bread, sprinkled it with the salt, and initiated me into a
mystical meal of her own devising.
"This old church under which we partake our sacrament," she told me, "is
called San Pietro's.
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