“It is very handsome.”
“Did you ever see me wear this ‘doucha greka’?”
She pointed to a pelisse made of cashmere and lined with the skin of the black fox,—the name she gave it signifying “warm to the soul.”
“Do you believe that any sovereign has a fur that can equal it?” she asked.
“It is worthy of her who wears it.”
“And whom you think beautiful?”
“Human words do not apply to her. Heart to heart is the only language I can use.”
“Wilfrid, you are kind to soothe my griefs with such sweet words—which you have said to others.”
“Farewell!”
“Stay. I love both you and Minna, believe me. To me you two are as one being. United thus you can be my brother or, if you will, my sister. Marry her; let me see you both happy before I leave this world of trial and of pain. My God! the simplest of women obtain what they ask of a lover; they whisper ‘Hush!’ and he is silent; ‘Die’ and he dies; ‘Love me afar’ and he stays at a distance, like courtiers before a king! All I desire is to see you happy, and you refuse me! Am I then powerless?—Wilfrid, listen, come nearer to me. Yes, I should grieve to see you marry Minna but—when I am here no longer, then—promise me to marry her; heaven destined you for each other.”