Дракула / Dracula - стр. 26

I am now sitting by his bedside, where I can see his face while he sleeps. He is waking!…

When he woke he asked me for his coat, as he wanted to get something from the pocket; I asked Sister Agatha, and she brought all his things. I saw that amongst them was his note-book, and was going to ask him to let me look at it. I knew that I might find some clue to his trouble. But he sent me over to the window, and said he wanted to be quite alone for a moment. Then he called me back, and when I came he put his hand over the note-book, and he said to me very solemnly, “Wilhelmina, you know, dear: there must be no secret, no concealment between husband and wife. I have had a great shock, and I do not know if it was all real or the dreaming of a madman. You know I have had brain fever. The secret is here, and I do not want to know it. I want to marry you as soon as possible, right here. Wilhelmina, here is the book. Take it and keep it, read it if you want, but never let me know.” He fell back exhausted, and I put the book under his pillow, and kissed him. I have asked Sister Agatha to let our wedding be this afternoon, and I am waiting for her reply…

She has come and told me that they sent for the chaplain of the English mission church. We will marry in an hour, or as soon after as Jonathan awakes…

Lucy, I feel very solemn, but very, very happy. Jonathan woke a little after the hour, and all was ready, and he sat up in bed, propped up with pillows. He answered his “I will” firmly and strongly. I could hardly speak. The dear sisters were so kind. Please God, I shall never, never forget them.

Jonathan took my hand in his, and oh, Lucy, it was the first time he took his wife’s hand, and said that it was the dearest thing in all the wide world. Well, my dear, what could I say? I could only tell him that I was the happiest woman in all the wide world, and that I had nothing to give him except myself, my life, and my trust, and my love. And then, my dear, he kissed me, and drew me to him with his poor weak hands.

Lucy dear, do you know why I tell you all this? It is not only because it is all sweet to me, but because you are very dear to me. It is my privilege to be your friend.

Goodbye, my dear. I shall post this at once, and, perhaps, write you very soon again. I must stop, for Jonathan is waking.

Your ever-loving

Mina Harker

30 August, Whitby.

My dearest Mina,

Oceans of love and millions of kisses, and may you soon be in your own home with your husband. The strong air would soon restore Jonathan; it has quite restored me. I am full of life, and sleep well. You will be glad to know that I have quite given up walking in my sleep.