"I must go down to the village," he said. "There is some one who wants to see me." And though he avoided meeting her eyes, her pathetic, beseeching glance penetrated to his innermost soul.
"I shall soon be back," he stammered.
She folded her hands, and placed herself silently before him.
"What is it?" he asked.
She could hardly articulate her words.
"Herr! I am so frightened--I feel as if something dreadful was going to happen!"
"Since when have you been given to presentiments?" he said, trying to joke.
"I don't know-but I feel so strange, Herr! ... something in my throat--as if ... Oh! I know it's stupid of me, but I pray you--not to go--not to-night----"
He pushed her gently to one side. The hand that she stretched out to hold him back fell helplessly.
"Please-please don't go! ... Herr!"