"Oh! what is this?" she cried, and fell upon her knees.
"Stone and iron," he said, in a toneless voice. "Leave me, I am doomed. And even if these bonds did not hold me--I would not follow thee. Back to the world? The world is one great lie. Everything is a lie."
"Thou art right. It is better to die. Let me die with thee, but forgive me! For I, too, have lied to thee."
"It is very possible. It does not surprise me."
"But thou wilt forgive me before we die? I have hated thee--I have rejoiced in thy ruin--I have--oh, it is so hard to tell! I have not the strength to confess it! And yet I must have thy forgiveness. Oh, forgive me!--give me thy hand as a sign of thy pardon."
But Witichis had sunk back into his former stupor.
"Oh, I beseech thee--forgive me, whatever I may have done!"
"Go--why should I not forgive thee? thou art like the rest--not better and not worse."
"No, I am more wicked than all--and yet better. At least more miserable. It is true that I hated thee, but only because thou hast ever thrust me from thee. Thou wouldst not permit me to share thy life. Forgive me!--O God! I only wish to die with thee!--give me thy hand as a sign of pardon!"
Kneeling and beseeching, she stretched out both her hands.