it, was more deep-seated than she had believed. He made no
slightest sign that he would accept any of those proffers which she
had made him of release. Though he said so loudly that this waiting
for four years was an impossibility, he spoke of no course that
would be more possible,--except that evidently impossible course of
an early marriage. And thus, while he with redoubled vehemence
charged her with coolness and want of love, her love waxed warmer
and warmer, and his happiness became the chief object of her
thoughts. What could she do that he might no longer suffer?

And then he took a step which was very strange to them all. He
banished himself altogether from the house, going away again into
lodgings. "No," he said, on the morning of his departure, "I do not
release you. I will never release you. You are mine, and I have a
right so to call you. If you choose to release yourself, I cannot
help it; but in doing so you will be forsworn."

"Nay, but, Herbert, I have sworn to nothing," said she, meaning that
she had not been formally betrothed to him.

"You can do as you please; it is a matter of conscience; but I tell
you what are my feelings. Here I cannot stay, for I should go mad;
but I shall see you occasionally;--perhaps on Sundays."

"Oh, Herbert!"

"Well, what would you have? If you really cared to see me it would
not be thus. All I ask of you now is this, that if you decide,--
absolutely decide on throwing me over, you will tell me at once.
Then I shall leave Munich."