CLARA.
To Leonard! Where else should I go? Only that one road lies before me in this world!
SECRETARY.
You love him, then! Well—
CLARA (wildly).
Love him? It is either he or death! Does anybody wonder that I choose him? I would not do it had I only myself to consider!
SECRETARY.
He or death? Girl, thus speaks Despair, or—
CLARA.
Do not make me frantic! Do not mention that word again! You! It is you I love! There! I cry it out to you as if I were already wandering on the other side of the grave, where no one blushes any more, where cold and naked forms glide past one another, because the fearful, holy presence of God has entirely consumed in every one all thought of others.