"I have not come as a mediator," said Egbert, straightening himself up. "My coming, in general, has nothing to do with this affair. What leads me here is a painful duty that I cannot escape from. It concerns Baron von Wildenrod, to whom you have promised Maia's hand."
Dernburg started and looked at him in surprise.
"What, you know of this engagement! Never mind: I no longer make any secret of it."
"And fortunately I have heard of it in time to interpose."
"Will you make any objection to it?" asked Dernburg, sharply. "There was a time when I would have admitted your claim to her, when the way to Maia's hand and heart stood open to you.--You know what blocked it up. You have sacrificed your love, like everything else, to your 'convictions.'"
"I never loved Maia," returned Runeck, firmly. "I saw in her only my young playmate, Eric's sister, and never entertained for her any other feelings than those of a brother."
This explanation was given with such decision that it was no longer possible to doubt its truth.
"Then in this, too, I have been mistaken," said Dernburg, slowly. "But what concern, then, of yours is my daughter's marriage?"
"I want to guard Maia from becoming the prey of a--villain."
"Egbert! have you lost your senses?" exclaimed Dernburg, passionately. "Do you know what you are saying? This mad accusation----"