But swiftly she drew it from my clasp, all the joy and gladness gone from her face and eyes.
"No, no!" she cried; "this must not be; it must not be!" "But I----" I began eagerly.
"You must not say it; I command you.

If you speak, Gretchen will be Gretchen no more.

Yes, the King seeks Gretchen; but will you drive her away from her only haven ?" with a choking sound.
"Gretchen, trust me.

Shall I go to-morrow?
Shall I leave you in peace ?" Somehow I believed myself to be in danger.

"Speak!" There was an interval of stillness, broken only by the beating of hearts.