"Corinna, don't you understand how this mystery tortures one who loves!" he cried.
"I know. I cannot help myself."
"But you promise to tell me?"
"Yes, if you will let me entirely alone until I do tell you."
"I'll do my best," he groaned. "One can't promise miracles."
"And you must not let yourself love me, until you know."
"Oh, that's clearly impossible. I would have to love you just the same if you had two or three husbands and were the wickedest woman in the world beside."
"I'm not a wicked woman!" she passionately cried.
"Why, I didn't suppose you were," he said surprised. "But it wouldn't make any difference."
"Let me go now," she begged. "This only makes it harder."