No, not forever! Only to keep me from falling—but no kiss!

SECRETARY.

Girl, you do not love him, you have your release—

CLARA (gloomily, straightening herself up again).

And yet I must go to him, I must throw myself on my knees before him and cry out: "Behold my father's white hairs! Take me!"

SECRETARY.

Unhappy girl! Do I understand you?

CLARA.

Yes!

SECRETARY.