My love is a serious matter to me, and to you too, I hope.
You are mine forever, and as long as there is life in this hand, it
will hold you fast," and she cast herself passionately upon his
breast, and clung to him as if he were going to be torn from her.
"I never said I would leave you," he returned gently, and trying to
disengage himself; "but it is quite inconceivable that you should
have thought you would simply bring me back with you from the
journey and present me to your people."
"My people! You are my all, and nobody else exists for me."
"One says that in the heat of the moment, but you have relations--
you told me so yourself. What will they think of us if I calmly
settle down in your house?"
"Think?--always what people will think. That is the only fault you
have, Wilhelm. How can you do people the honor to take them into
consideration when it is a question of my life's happiness? Let them
think what they like. They will think you are the master and I am
your slave, who only lives in and for you."
Wilhelm only shook his head, for he was unwilling to wound her by
saying what he thought of such an unworthy connection. She hung
trembling on his looks, and asked, as he still did not answer:
"Well, darling, is it to be my way? We will drive quietly home and
pretend we are at St.
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