She broke down with a storm of tears.
"Not so hard--not so hard, Leopold!" she implored.

"Oh! yours is a great task, and you must carry it through to the end, but we have his permission--there can be found a way--we could be married secretly.

At least your lips--your arms! My heart is starved, Leopold." He rose to his feet.

Her arms were still twined about his neck, her lips hungry for his kisses, her eyes shining up into his.
"Have pity on me, Stephanie," he begged.

"Until our time has come there is dishonour even in a single kiss.