"When Berlin is in our hands," said he, smiling proudly; "when we enter your gates as conquerors."
She shuddered painfully. He saw it, and a hateful, mocking expression passed across his features; but this lasted only a moment, and his changeable countenance appeared again bright and loving. He took Elise's hand and pressed it to his lips.
"Will you, even at such a time, allow me to see you? Will you, faithful to your vow, remember that my Elise has sworn by God and her love never to turn a deaf ear to my call? Will you expect me?" asked he, coaxingly.
"I will," answered she, in a low voice.
"And I will come," cried he, passionately, "if the way to you leads over mountains of dead bodies!"
She threw herself into his open arms, and nestled like a timid dove on his breast.
"Oh!" cried she, "when danger threatens you, then I think I would like to be a man to share it with you."
He covered her lips and eyes with kisses. "Farewell, farewell, Elise; and if it is God's will, we will meet again."
One last kiss, one last embrace, and he tore himself from her arms and hurried toward the wall. Now he climbs it, and throws his last greetings to her, then descends on the other side.
"He is gone, he is gone!" she shrieked, and, falling on her knees, raised her hands to heaven. "O God, have mercy on me, have pity on my love!"