She nodded, suppressed sobs were heard, and Anton continued:
"Darling Thoma! I tell you, you can and must be happy; and that without telling a lie."
"I can't rejoice in stolen goods." Thoma forced herself to say.
"I understand. I know what you mean. But your honor and my honor are not stolen. I beg of you, be good, be kind. I beg the wicked Thoma to trouble my good Thoma no longer. You exaggerate----.
"Perhaps so. There--you may take my hand for the last time."
"I will not take it for the last time."
"Then I say good night; thank you a thousand times!"
Anton tried to throw his arm around her, but she tore herself away, and hastened into the house.
He waited awhile to see if she would not relent; but as all continued silent, a spirit of defiance awoke within him, and he went away without turning around, though he sometimes paused and listened to hear if any one were following or calling him. At length he disappeared in the forest.