An interval of three or four minutes passed, still she remained in that pathetic attitude, silent and motionless.
"Gretchen," said I, "have you nothing to say ?" "Yes." Her eyes raised to the level of mine, and I saw that they were deep in tears.

"Herr, I shall say to you that which I have never said to any man, and that which I shall never say to any man again.

I may say it now because it is sinless.

I love you! I love you, and, loving you, God knows what the future without you shall be.

Yes! I love you.
Take me once in your arms and kiss me, and let me go--forever." Then with a smile which partly shielded a sob, her arms went around my neck and her face lay close to mine.