"That is nothing," said he, hurriedly.
But I was already on my feet; and though I staggered, I pushed quickly toward the door.
"They are burning juniper!" cried I. "I want to go there."
My father caught me by the waist.
"Do not go! do not go! I forbid thee."
Despair seized me; so grasping the bandages around my head, I cried,—
"Well, I swear then that I will tear off these bandages, and open my wounds with my own hands. Hania is dead! I want to see her."
"Hania is not dead. I give thee my word!" cried my father, seizing my hands and struggling with me. "She was sick, but she is better. Calm thyself! Calm thyself! Have we not had misfortune enough already? I will tell thee everything, but lie down. Thou canst not go to her. Thou wouldst destroy her. But lie down; I swear to thee that she is better."
My strength failed me, and I fell on the bed, repeating only,—
"My God! My God!"