For a moment Ernestine made no answer, and then said firmly, "Yes, if Dr. Heim believes that you can restore me to health, it is sufficient, and I will follow your prescriptions implicitly."
"I thank you," said Johannes; "but I warn you beforehand, I am a strict physician, and my medicines are bitter!"
"Scarcely as bitter as disease?" said Ernestine inquiringly.
"Who can say? To speak with perfect sincerity, Fräulein Hartwich, the malady from which I come to relieve you, the disease that poisons your past and your future, is your uncle's influence!"
Ernestine stood up. "Sir!"
"Hear me before you condemn me! I assert nothing that I cannot prove."
"No, sir, I will not hear you. You do my uncle gross injustice; whatever proofs you may adduce. A life of self-sacrifice and devotion far outweighs the accusation of a stranger. What do I not owe to him? What has he not done for me? I owe to him my scientific culture. He has made me what I am."
"And may I be so bold as to ask if you are so very sure that you are what you should be?"
A pause ensued. Ernestine retreated a step, and, offended and confused, cast down her eyes.
Johannes continued. "What if I were come to prove that you are not?"