For these spells are double-edged. The silly
birds may be charmed with the pipe of the fowler, which is but a
tube of reeds. Not so with a bird of our own feather! As I went
on, and my resolve strengthened, and my voice found new
modulations, and our faces were drawn closer to the bars and to
each other, not only she, but I, succumbed to the fascination, and
were kindled by the charm. We make love, and thereby ourselves
fall the deeper in it. It is with the heart only that one captures
a heart.
'And now,' I continued, 'I will tell you what you can still do for
me. I run a little risk just now, and you see for yourself how
unavoidable it is for any man of honour. But if--but in case of
the worst I do not choose to enrich either my enemies or the Prince
Regent. I have here the bulk of what my uncle gave me. Eight
thousand odd pounds. Will you take care of it for me? Do not
think of it merely as money; take and keep it as a relic of your
friend or some precious piece of him. I may have bitter need of it
ere long. Do you know the old country story of the giant who gave
his heart to his wife to keep for him, thinking it safer to repose
on her loyalty than his own strength? Flora, I am the giant--a
very little one: will you be the keeper of my life? It is my
heart I offer you in this symbol.
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