“Perhaps it is better it has happened thus, and that I can tell you everything myself.  My friend, we see each other to-day for the last time.  Let us part in peace, without complaint and without anger.  I feel that I have done you a great wrong.  I have intruded upon your life without thinking that even a light breath often withers a flower.  I know so little of the world that I did not believe a poor suffering being like myself could inspire anything but pity.  I welcome you in a frank and friendly way because I had known you so long, because I felt so well in your presence—­why should I not tell all?—­because I loved you.  But the world does not understand or tolerate this love.  The Hofrath has opened my eyes.  The whole city is talking about us.  My brother, the Regent, has written to the Prince, and he requests me never to see you again.  I deeply regret that I have caused you this sorrow.  Tell me you forgive me—­and then let us separate as friends.”

Her eyes had filled with tears, and she closed them that I should not see her weeping.

“Marie,” said I, “for me there is but one life which is with you; but for you there is one will which is your own.  Yes, I confess, I love you with the whole fire of love, but I feel I am not worthily yours.  You stand far above me in nobility, sublimity and purity, and I can scarcely understand the thought of ever calling you my wife.  And, yet, there is no other road on which we could travel through life together.  Marie, you are wholly free; I ask for no sacrifice.  The world is great, and if you wish it, we shall never see each other again.  But if you love me, if you feel you are mine, oh, then, let us forget the world and its cold verdict.  In my arms I will bear you to the altar, and on my knees I will swear to be yours in life and in death.”

“My friend,” said she, “we must never wish for the impossible.  Had it been God’s will that such a tie should unite us in this life, would He, forsooth, have imposed these burdens upon me which make me incapable of being else than a helpless child?  Do not forget that what we call Fate, Circumstance, Relations, in life, is in reality only the work of Providence.  To resist it is to resist God himself, and were it not so childish one might call it presumptuous.  Men wander on earth like the stars in heaven.  God has indicated the paths upon which they meet, and if they are to separate, they must.  Resistance were useless, otherwise it would destroy the whole system of the world.  We cannot understand it, but we can submit to it.  I cannot myself understand why my inclination towards you was wrong.  No!  I cannot, will not call it wrong.  But it cannot be, it is not to be.  My friend, this is enough—­we must submit in humility and faith.”

Notwithstanding the calmness with which she spoke, I saw how deeply she suffered; and yet I thought it wrong to surrender so quickly in this battle of life.  I restrained myself as much as I could, so that no passionate word should increase her trouble, and said: