"Well, what then?"
"I have something—"
"Why, you're all wrought up," he said, in surprise, as she stopped.
"Barabant, I ask you only because there is no hope of life. Barabant, I—"
"Why, mignonne, what is it? What has happened?"
She threw herself in his arms, sobbing:
"Barabant, I want to be a wife!"
The moments that he held her in stupefaction were moments of agony to her. He put her from him, looking in amazement at the tear-stained face.
"Idiot that I am!" he cried suddenly. "That is what has been tormenting you!"
Waiting only for the accent of his voice, she sprang back, trembling, not daring to look at him.