Irma suddenly uttered a loud shriek. The maid hurried into the room. Her mistress had fainted and lay on the floor. When she revived, she asked what had happened to her. Doctor Gunther sat at her bedside and said:
"You've been writing; here is the letter. I took charge of it, as I supposed it was this that had so excited you. I read the first six lines. I was obliged to, but I assure you, on my honor, that I did not read a word more. I took charge of the letter, so that no other eye should see it. And now, keep yourself quiet; here it is."
Irma sat up and read the letter. Then she looked at the Doctor earnestly, and said:
"I believe you." She called for a light and consigned the letter to the flames.
"Will you promise me one thing?"
"What is it?"
"That you will give me poison, if I lose my mind."
"You are playing with extremes," replied the physician, "and that can't be done with impunity."
After a long pause, Gunther said:
"Above all things, you must control yourself, and must not imagine that these wild, wandering thoughts are your true self. I thought that you would take my advice, but I was mistaken. You are your best, your only, physician; force yourself to rest and let calm and happy thoughts alone engage you."