But if a gracious destiny grants our plans success, if the great venture which we have determined upon succeeds, then, Leonore, I will come to you, hold out my hand, and exultingly repeat the question which to-day I dare only to whisper timorously: Leonore, will you be my wife ?" She did not answer immediately, but covered her glowing face with her hands, while her whole frame trembled with emotion.

"Oh," she groaned sorrowfully, "you will never repeat the question, for you will perish in the dangers which you are preparing for yourself." "No," he cried joyously, "I shall not perish in them, and I shall come to repeat my question.

Believe me, love, and be glad and strong.

Do not fear for me, and forgive me if, during the next few days, I keep away from you.
The last preparations for our great enterprise are to be made; all my strength of mind, all the courage of my soul must be summoned, and perhaps I might be cowardly and weak if I should see you, gaze into your beloved face, and think of the possibility that I was beholding it for the last time; that death might clasp me in his arms ere I again pressed you to my heart.

So I will bid you farewell, my dearest, farewell for a week.