“My strength, like my heart, is wholly yours!” he exclaimed ardently.  “Command them, and if the devoted love of a faithful, plain-spoken man—­”

“Say no more, no, no!” Paula broke in with anxious vehemence.  “Let us remain closely bound together by friendship-as brother and sister.”

“As brother and sister?” he dully echoed with a melancholy smile.  “Aye, friendship too is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  But yet—­let me speak—­ I have dreamed of love, the tossing sea of passion; I have felt its surges here—­in here; I feel them still....  But man, man,” and he struck his forehead with his fist, “have you forgotten, like a fool, what your image is in the mirror; have you forgotten that you are an ugly, clumsy fellow, and that the gorgeous flower you long for. . . .”

Paula had shrunk back, startled by her friend’s vehemence; but she now went up to him, and taking his hand with frank spirit, she said impressively: 

“It is not so, Philippus, my dear, kind, only friend.  The gorgeous flower you desire I can no longer give you—­or any one.  It is mine no longer; for when it had opened, once for all, cruel feet trod it down.  Do not abuse your mirrored image; do not call yourself a clumsy fellow.  The best and fairest might be proud of your love, just as you are.  Am I not proud, shall I not always be proud of your friendship?”

“Friendship, friendship!” he retorted, snatching away his hand.  “This burning, longing heart thirsts for other feelings!  Oh, woman!  I know the wretch who has trodden down the flower of flowers in your heart, and I, madman that I am, can sing his praises, can take his part; and cost what it may, I will still do so as long as you....  But perhaps the glorious flower may strike new roots in the soil of hatred and I, the hapless wretch who water it, may see it.”

At this, Paula again took both his hands, and exclaimed in deep and painful agitation of mind: 

“Say no more, I beg and entreat you.  How can I live in peace here, under your protection and in constant intercourse with you, without knowing myself guilty of a breach of propriety such as the most sacred feelings of a young girl bid her avoid, if you persist in overstepping the limits which bound true and faithful friendship?  I am a lonely girl and should give myself up to despair, as lost, if I could not take refuge in the belief that I can rely upon myself.  Be satisfied with what I have to offer you, my friend, and may God reward you!  Let us both remain worthy of the esteem which, thank Heaven! we are fully justified in feeling for each other.”

The physician, deeply moved, bent his head; scarcely able to control himself, he pressed her firm white hand to his lips, while, just at this moment, Perpetua and the treasurer came into the room.