Bertha would have withdrawn her hand, but he would not let her, but continued, more passionately,
"Bertha, there is no time now to choose convenient times and places; I am on the point of losing you. You must, during the whole time you have known me, have remarked with what devotion I love you."
"Sir!" said Bertha, alarmed.
"Do not take away this hand from me," the doctor continued, with ardent looks; "do not reject the heart of one who is capable, nay, the whole wish of whose soul is to make you happy; do not turn your dear face away; say at least that you are not angry with me."
"Leave me, sir, I beg of you," said the girl, who was now really alarmed; "I can give you no hopes to encourage feelings which I cannot reciprocate."
"I have startled you, Bertha, have I not?" asked the doctor; "you are angry with me on that account."
"I am not angry with you; no, do not misunderstand me; you have been so disinterestedly obliging to my parents, and to the whole company, that I cannot help giving you my whole esteem."
"Oh! why that cold word—esteem?" said Normann.
"Do not demand more; I cannot, I dare not, ever feel more, I——"
"You love another; you love yonder young man, who——"