"How often has she said to me, when speaking of her husband, 'He has no heart!'
"Can I then, aver with any semblance of honesty that I have not betrayed my friend? Basely have I betrayed him.
"If I were sure that she would not suffer--if I were sure that she would forget me! Coldness, neglect, indifference--they are sharp weapons, but I deserve to bleed.
"Still, I cry out against my fate. I have committed no crime. Love came to me and tortured me. But a man must perform a man's duty. I will strive to perform mine. Then in years to come I may be able to think of the past without shame, even with pride at having conquered.
"I have destroyed her portrait. I could not look upon her face and forget her."
* * * * * *
A voice from an adjoining room caused him to lay aside his pen. It was the peasant, the master of the hut, calling to him, and asking if he was ready. He went out to the man.
"I heard you stirring," said the peasant, "and my young ones are waiting to show you where the edelweiss can be found."
The children, a boy and a girl, looked eagerly at Christian Almer. It had been arranged on the previous day that the three should go for a mountain excursion in search of the flower that brings good luck and good fortune to the finder. The children were sturdy-limbed and ruddy-faced, and were impatient to be off.
"Breakfast first," said Christian Almer, pinching the little girl's cheek.