I was a coward to do what I did, but I could not help it.

I crushed her to my breast and kissed her lips, not once, but many times.
"How dare you!" weakly.
"How dare I, Gretchen, dear Gretchen ?" I said.

"I dare because I love you! I love you! What is it to me that you have dishonored me in the eyes of men?
Nothing.

I love you! Are you a barmaid?
I care not.
Are you a conspirator?
I know not, nor care.

I know but one thing: I love you; I shall always love you! Shall I tell you more?
Gretchen, you love me!" "No, no! it cannot be!" she sobbed, pushing me back.