Ebba gazed at him as if she feared his reasoning were wandering.
"You think me mad," said Auriol; "would I were so! But I shall never lose the clear perception of my woes. Hear me, Ebba! Fate has brought me into this house. I have seen you, and experienced your gentle ministry; and it is impossible, so circumstanced, to be blind to your attractions. I have only been too sensible to them—but I will not dwell on that theme, nor run the risk of exciting a passion which must destroy you. I will ask you to hate me—to regard me as a monster whom you ought to shun rather than as a being for whom you should entertain the slightest sympathy."
"You have some motive in saying this to me," cried the terrified girl.
"My motive is to warn you," said Auriol. "If you love me, you are lost—utterly lost!"
She was so startled, that she could make no reply, but burst into tears. Auriol took her hand, which she unresistingly yielded.
"A terrible fatality attaches to me, in which you must have no share," he said, in a solemn tone.
"Would you had never come to my father's house!" she exclaimed, in a voice of anguish.
"Is it, then, too late?" cried Auriol despairingly.
"It is—if to love you be fatal," she rejoined.
"Ha!" exclaimed Auriol, striking his forehead with his clenched hand. "Recall your words—Ebba—recall them—but no, once uttered—it is impossible. You are bound to me for ever. I must fulfil my destiny."