"Who then has? Is Vetturi not dead?"
"He is dead, but he was hurt by falling on the paving-stones. Yes, he was."
"Anton!" cried Thoma, intensely excited, "Anton, you're not saying that yourself, some one else is speaking through you. Did my father tell you that?"
Anton trembled, and Thoma continued: "Anton, for my sake you are speaking falsely. You lie! There he stands, and has such true eyes, so honest, and yet will lie. How can I now believe your Yes before the altar? Anton, you're telling a lie."
With tremulous voice, Anton replied:
"Thoma, I'm--I'm a soldier." His hand touched the medal of honor upon his breast.
"Take that off," cried Thoma. "Go! go away! Even you can tell a lie. Go! go!"
"Thoma! I forgive you. In affliction one turns against his dearest friend----"
"You're no more my dearest friend. I'll not have your forgiveness. Go away forever and ever. I have no part in you, and you shall have no part in me."
She rushed away and locked herself in her bedroom. Anton stood for a time benumbed, then knocked at her door, and spoke lovingly to her. She made no answer. He threatened to break open the door unless she gave some sign. Then the bolt was drawn; the door opened a little way; and at his feet fell the engagement ring. The door was again closed and bolted; Anton picked up the ring and went away.