"Father Leonhardt!"
"Oh, this is Fräulein Ernestine."
Ernestine looked at him, and observed with dismay that the pupils of his eyes did not contract with the light.
"Herr Leonhardt, what is the matter with your eyes?"
He smiled. "Their work is done."
"Good heavens! already? I thought they would last months at least."
"What matters a few months more or less?" said the old man quietly.
Ernestine looked amazed. Involuntarily she clasped her hands. "Is this possible? I tremble from head to foot at the mere sight of such a calamity, and you--you upon whom it has fallen--are so perfectly calm and composed. Tell me, oh, tell me, what gives you such superhuman strength?"
The old man turned to her his darkened eyes. "My faith, Fräulein Ernestine."
Ernestine's gaze fell. "It is well for you."