"Is that a man which stands before me?" [Footnote: Therese's own words.
Justinus Kerner, p. 63.]
Mesmer bowed his head. Therese started back, exclaiming, "It is fearful!
But where is Mesmer? Show me Mesmer!"
"I am he," said Mesmer, approaching her.
She drew back and looked at him with a scrutinizing expression.
"I had supposed that the human face was radiant with joy," said she, "but this one looks like incarnate woe. Are all mankind sad? Where is my mother?"
Frau von Paradies was awaiting her daughter's call; she now came forward, her face beaming with love and joy. But Therese, instead of meeting her with equal fervor, shrank, and covered her face with her hands.
"Therese, my daughter, look upon me," said the mother.
"It is her voice," cried Therese, joyfully, removing her hands. Frau von
Paradies stood by, smiling.
"Is this my mother?" continued she, looking up into her face. "Yes—it must be so; those tearful eyes are full of love. Oh, mother, come nearer, and let me look into those loving eyes!"
Her mother leaned over her, but again Therese recoiled. "What a frightful thing!" said she, with a look of fear.