feel
that I have done you a great wrong. I have intruded upon your life
without thinking that even a light breath often withers a flower. I know
so little of the world that I did not believe a poor suffering being like
myself could inspire anything but pity. I welcome you in a frank and
friendly way because I had known you so long, because I felt so well in
your presence--why should I not tell all?--because I loved you. But the
world does not understand or tolerate this love. The Hofrath has opened
my eyes. The whole city is talking about us. My brother, the Regent,
has written to the Prince, and he requests me never to see you again. I
deeply regret that I have caused you this sorrow. Tell me you forgive
me--and then let us separate as friends."

Her eyes had filled with tears, and she closed them that I should not see
her weeping.

"Marie," said I, "for me there is but one life which is with you; but for
you there is one will which is your own. Yes, I confess, I love you with
the whole fire of love, but I feel I am not worthily yours. You stand
far above me in nobility, sublimity and purity, and I can scarcely
understand the thought of ever calling you my wife. And, yet, there is
no other road on which we could travel through life together. Marie, you
are wholly free; I ask for no sacrifice. The world is great, and if you
wish it, we shall never see each other again. But if you love me, if you
feel you are mine, oh, then, let us forget the world and its cold
verdict. In my arms I will bear you to the altar, and on my knees I will
swear to be yours in life and in death."

"My friend," said she, "we must never wish for the impossible. Had it
been God's will that such a tie should unite us in this life, would He,
forsooth, have imposed these burdens upon me which make me incapable of
being else than a helpless child? Do not forget that what we call Fate,
Circumstance, Relations, in life, is in reality only the work of
Providence. To resist it is to resist God himself, and were it not so
childish one might call it presumptuous. Men wander on earth like the
stars in heaven. God has indicated the paths upon which they meet, and
if they are to separate, they must. Resistance were useless, otherwise
it would destroy the whole system of the world. We cannot understand it,
but we can submit to it. I cannot myself understand why my inclination
towards you was wrong. No! I cannot, will not call it wron