'Ah, don't speak of him at this precious time,' said she, contemptuously; 'that odious Grünthal—such a mouth he has! When he laughs you can almost see it behind him.'
'Behind him, darling—how?'
'The corners of his mouth might meet behind his head.'
This was somewhat of an exaggeration, but as it was like some of Ernestine's speeches in merrier times, she made Charlie laugh.
'Yet, to such a man they would assign you!' said he.
'If they dare!' she replied, with a little gesture, peculiarly her own, as it was partly imperious and partly child-like.
Her tears began to flow again, and she said:
'It is in vain that the Graf storms, and that mamma tells me every vow that has passed between us must be forgotten, that when you left Frankenburg you lost all claim on me, and I was, and am, perfectly free. I am not free, Carl; I have promised to become your wedded wife, and no other shall have my heart or hand while I live!'
She spoke with strong passion, and as she lay in the arms of her lover, her whole delicate form was trembling violently.
'But for this war, I would implore you to take me away with you, and make me your wife in spite of them all—your dear little wife, Carl. Wherever you went, there Ernestine would be with you, and we should live but for each other, and love each other as we have always done.'