"
"How can I possibly do that?" cried Wilhelm, really startled. "I
should have no right! If she laughed in my face and called me a fool
and a lout, I should feel I deserved it."
"You ought to know that she would not do that. I know I am asking a
very unusual thing, and a very difficult thing, but I feel I can ask
such a sacrifice from your friendship."
As Wilhelm did not immediately answer, Paul said, seizing his hand:
"Once more, Wilhelm, if you have any thought of Malvine, I will not
stand in your way."
"But, Paul--"
"And perhaps I ought to wish it for you; Malvine is a good, dear
girl, and will make the man who marries her happy all his life."
"Don't say any more; I have already told you that she is sacred to
me as your fiancee, and beside, I should have no claim on her, even
if I did not know how you stand with regard to her."
"Well, then, you must help me to reclaim her from her mistake. You
alone can do it, and I am sure that later--very soon, in fact, she
will be grateful to you."
Wilhelm was silent, looking at Paul in anxious suspense. At last,
with a deep sigh, he said:
"Well, if I must---"
"You are a brick," cried Paul, and embraced him before the passers-
by, who turned round to look at them with astonishment.
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