“Sometimes,” I said, “mob passion tears them asunder and protests against their union with stones or outlaw judgment. Taboo will exist for ever in human society, and it is devilish unpleasant for individuals who violate the rules.”
“It needs courage,” said my friend. “The risk is sometimes worth taking.”
VII
Brand decided to take the risk, and though he asked my advice beforehand, as a matter of friendship, I knew my warnings were useless. It was about a month after that tram journey to Bonn that he came into my room at the Domhof, looking rather pale but with a kind of glitter in his eyes.
“I may as well tell you,” he said abruptly, “that I am going to marry a German girl.”
“Elsa von Kreuzenach?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“Just a guess.”