The woman uttered a cry of anguish, threw her arms around Wolf's big neck, and burst into sobs.
"Oh, Herman, surely you have some pity left in your heart! For God's sake, don't cast me out of your life in this cruel, horrible way!"
He turned his stolid face away with cold indifference.
She lifted her tapering hand timidly and smoothed the coarse hair back from his forehead with a tender gesture.
"Can you forget," she went on, in low, passionate tones, "all we have been to one another through the long, dark years of our fight with poverty and oppression? All I have done for your sake? That I broke my husband's heart—for he loved me even as I love you—I left my babies, and have never seen them since; broke with every friend and loved one on earth for you! Have you forgotten all I have done in this work? The tireless zeal with which I've fought your battles? Can you kick me from your presence now as though I were a dog?"
Wolf pursed his thick lips and scowled.
"No, I mean that you shall stay where you are and take charge of my new household. Barbara will need your assistance."
"Barbara!" she gasped.
"I have chosen her as the new regent," Wolf calmly answered. "I will announce our marriage at the dedication of the palace."
"And you think that I will accept such shame?"