Chapter 24

window_.

_Julian_. But do you really love me, Lilia?

_Lilia_. Why do you make me say it so often, Julian? You make me say _I love you_, oftener far Than you say you love me.

_Julian_. To love you seems So much a thing of mere necessity! I can refrain from loving you no more Than keep from waking when the sun shines full Upon my face.

_Lilia_. And yet I love to say How, how I love you, Julian!

[_Leans her head on his arm_. JULIAN _winces a little. She raises her head and looks at him_.]

Did I hurt you? Would you not have me lean my head on you?

_Julian_. Come on this side, my love; 'tis a slight hurt Not yet quite healed.

_Lilia_. Ah, my poor Julian! How-- I am so sorry!--Oh, I _do_ remember! I saw it all quite plain! It was no dream! I saw you fighting!--Surely you did not kill him?

_Julian_ (_calmly, but drawing himself up_). I killed him as I would a dog that bit you.

_Lilia_ (_turning pale, and covering her face with her hands_.) Oh, that was dreadful! there is blood on you!

_Julian_. Shall I go, Lilia?

_Lilia_. Oh no, no, no, do not.-- I shall be better presently.

_Julian_. You shrink As from a murderer!

_Lilia_. Oh no, I love you-- Will never leave you. Pardon me, my Julian; But blood is terrible.

_Julian_ (_drawing her close to him_). My own sweet Lilia, 'Twas justly shed, for your defense and mine, As it had been a tiger that I killed. He had no right to live. Be at peace, darling; His blood lies not on me, but on himself; I do not feel its stain upon my conscience.

[_A tap at the door_.]

_Enter_ Nurse.

_Nurse_. My lord, the steward waits on you below.

[JULIAN _goes_.]

You have been standing till you're faint, my lady! Lie down a little. There!--I'll fetch you something.