She could say no more, she only shook her head, repeating,—
"I cannot; believe me, I cannot."
"Then," began Sonnenkamp, "I shall proceed at once to tell you the secret of my life."
The Professorin had to put both hands on her table to steady herself. What was the man going to say! She silently inclined her head, and Sonnenkamp told how it was his unwavering desire, and a matter of necessity for his wife, Roland and Manna, that he should be raised to the ranks of the nobility.
The Professorin shuddered. What? Did this man dare to propose such a thing? The von Burgholz spirit was roused within her. How could a man with such a past as his have such presumption?
Sonnenkamp watched her eagerly. Something was going on in the mind of this woman which he could not fathom. She kept silence, making no response to the confidence he had honored her with.
"Why do you not answer?" he asked at last.
The lady controlled herself and said, as she inclined her head somewhat backwards:
"Shall you not find it hard to bear another name?"
Sonnenkamp looked keenly at her.