in to
speak in this manner.

Hesitatingly, at first, and then in well-considered words, Anton
explained that he had come to beg father and daughter to go with him to
the celebration; that would show the whole world at one stroke that
everything was all right again, and everybody would congratulate them
anew.

No word, no motion showed that Thoma had heard him. Anton continued in
a tremulous tone:

"Thoma, dear Thoma! You sit there as though you were frozen, but I know
that deep in your heart, love for me is still burning. Thoma, for this
once throw away your pride."

"Pride?" said Thoma, in a low voice.

Anton did not hear her, for he went on: "Thoma, you turned me away. I
too am proud, but not with you. I have come back again. Show yourself
as good and loving as you really are. Give me one single word--one kind
word."

Thoma arose.

"I thank you, Anton. I thank you a thousand times; but I cannot. Good
night; I thank you."

"No! You shall stay here, and I will go," cried Landolin, as Thoma
turned toward the house.

"Anton, for my part, I am----But settle matters alone between
yourselves."

He hastened into the house. Anton and Thoma were alone.

"You need not speak, Thoma. Give me a kiss, and that will say
everything."

"I cannot. Anton, 'tis hard for me to talk. I would far rather be dumb,
and unable to speak. Anton, it's good and kind of you to come. But tell
me,--you are honest--tell me, does your father feel toward my father as
you do? Is it not true,--you can't say yes?--you are here against his
will. Your father"----

"My father honors and loves you."

"I believe that. But, Anton, I can never be happy again, nor bring
happiness to others. I beg of you strike our house from your mind. One
blow will be enough to destroy it."

"Oh! Your house still stands firm. Thoma, you were right. On that day I
did not know what I saw or what I heard; but now that is all past.
Thoma, I know you. Your heart is honest, and I cannot blame you for it,
though it gives you much sorrow. Thoma, you cannot appear to be happy
before the world, because you are not happy. Say, do I not understand
you?"

She nodded, suppressed sobs were heard, and Anton continued:

"Darling Thoma! I tell you, you can and must be happy; and that without
telling a lie."

"I can't rejoice in stolen goods." Thoma forced herself to say.

"I understand. I know what you mean. But your honor and my honor are
not stolen. I beg of you, be go