“Surely you have not been to Harleydale!” she exclaimed.
“Indeed, but I have,” he replied. “I have seen my father, too, and have fully discussed with him our intended marriage.”
Lotte looked at him with a sad and serious expression.
“He has forbidden it!” she exclaimed, with a countenance which grew gradually pale in spite of her effort to control her emotion.
“Forbidden it!” echoed Mark, evasively; “he has not the power to forbid it. I am my own master, Lotte, and am independent of him.”
“Oh! Mark, do not let there be any reserves or concealments between us; let me know the truth,” she urged; “indeed I am not afraid to hear it, if you will only speak it.”
“To you, Lotte,”’ responded Mark, “I am desirous of speaking and acting always only truthfully.”
“I do believe it!” she exclaimed, earnestly.
He took both her hands in his, and pressed them.
“When I do other,” he said, with emphasis, “turn your face from me, and speak to me never more.”