I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have to cover my face.

It is just like looking at creation through a grating! I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no one, where no one would see me.

I could look up at the shining sky, and about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes, that would tell no one what they had seen or heard.

That would be supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it ?" The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken.

Perhaps, too, he had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.
"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his hand to take hers.
"And thou wilt grant my wish?
Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either ?" "How canst thou behave so, Marie?
Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up girl does not kiss a man's hand." He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to his feet.
"Where art thou going?
Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject ?" "I go to execute the commands of my little queen.