SECRETARY.
Take courage, girl! The fellow has your word—that worries you. And, to be sure, it is a damnable thing! How could you—
CLARA.
Oh, ask me everything that conspires to drive a poor girl crazy! Scorn and derision from all sides when you went to the University, and did not let me hear from you.—"She still thinks of him!" "She thinks that child's play was meant seriously!" "Does she receive any letters from him?"—And then, too, my mother: "Stay with people of your class!" "Pride never succeeds!" "Leonard is a very nice fellow; everybody is surprised that you look at him over your shoulder so!" And added to all the rest, my own heart: "If he has forgotten you, show him that you too—" Oh, God!
SECRETARY.
I am to blame. I realize it. Well, what is difficult is not necessarily impossible. I will get him to release you. Perhaps—
CLARA.
Release me? There!
[Throws LEONARD'S letter to him.]
SECRETARY (reads).