It had taken possession of her against her will and harmed no one except herself, not even the wife who was so sure of her husband.

How could she have presumed to dispute with her the possession of Herr Lienhard's love?
Yet it seemed an insult that Frau Katharina had no fear that she could menace her happiness.

Could the former know that Kuni would have been content with so little--a tender impulse of his heart, a kiss, a hasty embrace?
That would do the other no injury.

In the circles whence she had been brought no one grudged another such things.

How little, she thought, would have been taken from the wealthy Katharina by the trifling gift which would have restored to her happiness and peace.