She was far too dear to all the members of the family for them to give her up so easily.

What had occurred--she must admit that herself--might have induced even her best friend to misunderstand it.

For one brief moment he, too, had been tempted to doubt her innocence.

If she knew old Eysvogel's terrible situation she would certainly do everything in her power to persuade her father to receive him that morning, or--which would be still better--go to his office.

The weal and woe of many persons were at stake, her own above all, since, as Wolff's betrothed bride, she belonged to him inseparably.
"Even without the ring ?" interrupted Els bitterly; and when Siebenburg eagerly lamented that he had not brought it back, she answered proudly "Don't trouble yourself, Sir Seitz! I need this sacred pledge as little as the man who still wears mine.