"But I had a difficult half hour, for Lucia begged me not to see you again."
"Poor Lucia - does she care for you very much?"
"Certainly - and I told her that nothing was taken away from my affection for her. But she wouldn't hear of that -"
"Of course!" said Elsje again. "I shouldn't accept that either. Why should she?"
"Look, look," thought I smilingly; "even the rivals among women yet ever conspire together."
"I thought it might be a consolation. But I seem to be mistaken in that. I remained firm, though I told her that nothing would hold me back from Elsje."
"Oh, if I am only worthy of it! If only I am worthy of it!"
"That is fear of responsibility, Elsje. That we both have. But it is a weakness."
"And did Lucia yield?"
"She first asked whether it could remain a spirit friendship. I refused to promise that." Elsie remained silent.