You must act.

I want you to talk to Malvine, and somehow explain to her that you don't love her." "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.