Chapter 12: July

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​⁠No, I am not deceived. In her dark eyes I read a genuine interest in me and in my fortunes. Yes, I feel it; and I may believe my own heart which tells me—dare I say it?—dare I pronounce the divine words?—that she loves me!

That she loves me! How the idea exalts me in my own eyes! And, as you can understand my feelings, I may say to you, how I honour myself since she loves me!

Is this presumption, or