'One day in the winter, when I asked you if you did not miss the world.'
'I never thought I betrayed that I did so.'
'You were only over eager to deny it. And I know your generosity, my love. You miss the world; we will go back to it for a little. It will only make our life here dearer—I hope.'
He was silent; emotion mastered him. 'You have the most unselfish nature that was!' he said brokenly. 'It will be a cruel sacrifice to you, and yet you urge it for my sake.'
'Dear, will you not understand? What is for your sake is what is most for mine. I see you long, despite yourself, to be amidst men once more, and use your rare talents as you cannot use them here. It is only right that you should have the power to do so. If our life here has taken the hold on your heart then, I think you will come back to it all the more gladly. And then I too have my vanity; I shall be proud for the world to see how you can fill a great station, conduct a difficult negotiation, distinguish yourself in every way. When they praise you, I shall be repaid a thousand times for any sacrifice of my own tastes that there may be.'
He heard her with many conflicting emotions, of which a passionate gratitude was the first and highest.
'You make me ashamed,' he said in a low voice. 'No man can be worthy of such goodness as yours; and I——'
Once more the avowal of the truth rose to his lips, but stayed unuttered. His want of courage took refuge in procrastination.
'We need not decide for a day or two,' he added; 'they give me time; we will think well. When do you think I must reply?'
'Surely soon; your delay would seem disrespect. You know we Austrians are very ceremonious.'