My behavior has
perhaps aroused an impression which it should not have done. There
is no doubt that I ought not to have shown you how warm my
friendship is for you--for you, a good and beautiful girl, who have
inspired my best friend with such a love; but really I considered
that so long as the engagement between you and Paul was not clearly
arranged, that you would understand my position. If I seemed happy
to be near you, it was because I told myself how happy my friend
would be when he could call you his own; if you seemed to read
warmth and tenderness when I looked at you, it was because I was and
am so grateful to you for so happily influencing Paul."
While he was speaking Malvine had sunk back in her corner, and had
closed her eyes with a deep sigh. A few large tears began to roll
down her cheeks. Wilhelm touched her hand, which was cold as ice.
She made a feeble effort to draw it away, but he held it fast and
went on:
"Dearest, best Malvine, do not bear me any grudge for this
abominable half-hour, and believe me that it is only out of
consideration for your life's happiness. I quite understand how it
has all happened. Your kind heart was filled with pity for me, and
in your innocence you gave the pity another name.
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