“And you did not try to follow her?”
Wilhelm blushed, and answered in an embarrassed tone:
“I had no right to do so, and just after her departure I fell sick—dangerously sick.”
“You loved her?”
“Fraulein, I must beg you—”
“You loved her! And did she return your affection?”
“We have known each other only since yesterday, Fraulein von Hoogstraten.”
“Pardon me! But if you value my desire, we shall not have seen each other for the last time, though my double is undoubtedly a different person from the one I supposed. Farewell till we meet again. You hear, that calling never ends. You have aroused an interest in your strange friend, and some other time must tell me more about her. Only this one question: Can a modest maiden talk of her with you without disgrace?”
“Certainly, if you do not shrink from speaking of a noble lady who had no other protector than herself.”
“And you, don’t forget yourself!” cried Henrica, leaving the room.