I give myself to you freely, and you may do with me what you wish." She rejoiced in this breaking-out of all the hereditary tendencies of her nature, which she thought had died within her.

Sounds of distant music excited her.

She saw as it were their royal departure: this son of a prince carrying her away as in a fairy-tale, and making her queen of some imaginary realm; and she was ready to follow him with her arms clasped around his neck, her head upon his breast, with such a trembling from intense feeling that her whole body grew weak from happiness.

To be alone together, just they two, to abandon themselves to the galloping of horses, to flee away, and to disappear in each other's arms.

What perfect bliss it would be! "Is it not better for me to take nothing?
What good would it do in reality ?" He, partaking of her feverishness, was already at the door, as he replied: "No, no! Take nothing whatever.