Leonarda.—and jealous, and troublesome; while you are the incarnation of youth and joy.
Hagbart. You have more youth in you than I. You are an enchantress! All your life you will be showing me new aspects of yourself—as you are doing now. Each year will invest you with a new beauty, new spiritual power. Do you think I only half understand you, or only half love you? I want to sit close in your heart, warmed by its glow. It is the irresistible power of truth that has drawn me to you. My whole life will not be long enough for me to sound the unfathomable depths of your soul.
Leonarda. Your words are like the spring breezes, alluring and intoxicating, but full of deadly peril too.
Hagbart. You love me! I knew it before I came here to-day. I saw it the moment I stood here. Love is the very breath of life to you, surpassingly more than to any one else I have ever seen; and that is why you have suffered so terribly from the disappointments and emptiness of life. And now, when love is calling to you—love that is true and sincere—you are trembling!
Leonarda. You understand me in a way I thought impossible! It takes away all my resolution; it—
Hagbart. Surely you saw it in all the many talks we love had?
Leonarda. Yes.
Hagbart. Then is that not a proof that we two—?
Leonarda. Yes, it is true! I can hide nothing from you. (Bursts into tears.)
Hagbart. But why this unhappiness?