he dashed off to inform all and sundry of his luck , though he could not yet decide whether it was good or ill. his lady bid him farewell with tears , though a hope shone forth in the depths of her eyes , that at last he might speak that which she most longed to hear , but he could not ask it of her until he was sure of his own future , said he , lady , you know i love you more than life itself , and as such , i can not ask you to promise yourself to me until i am worthy of you .