My God! what do I see? Am I really awake?
The Maiden. Thou hast deserted and betrayed me!
Vanishes.
The Man. Cursed be the hour in which I married a wife, in which I deserted the Love of my youth, the thought of my thought, the soul of my soul....
Wife (awaking). What is it, Henry? Does the day already break? Is the carriage at the door? We have so much to attend to to-day.
The Man. No: it is only midnight. Go to sleep—sleep soundly!
Wife. Have you been taken suddenly ill, my dear? Shall I rise and get anything for you?
The Man. Sleep, sleep, I pray.
Wife. My dearest, tell me what is the matter with you! Your voice trembles, your cheeks burn with fever.
The Man (jumping out of bed). I only want fresh air—for God's sake, stay here; do not follow me! Once more I beg you will not rise!