Do you imagine that any
woman of spirit would be satisfied if you said to her: 'I do not
love you, I should like to leave you, but I will stay on with you
because I do not wish to give you pain, or from pity--soft-
heartedness.' Why, she would thrust you from her, and rather, a
thousand times, die than live on your bounty. On the other hand, the
woman who would still hold fast to a man after such a declaration,
must be of so poor a stuff that I do not consider her capable of
feeling any violent pain. Woman, in general, has a far truer and
more natural judgment in this question. Where she does not love she
has no scruples about want of consideration, and the knowledge that
it will hurt the man's feelings has rarely restrained her from
rejecting an unwelcome suitor. There is such a thing as necessary
cruelty, my friend--the physician knows that better than anybody."
Wilhelm shook his head thoughtfully.
"Your cruelties are not for your own advantage, but for that of your
patient. I have no such excuse to offer."
"Yes, you have," cried Schrotter. "You cure the countess of a morbid
and hysterical sentiment. This Auguste is right--she will console
herself."
"And if does not?"
"If not--why, what can I say?--we must simply wait and see.
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