surely be the result"--she raised her voice in passionate eagerness as
she spoke:

"I know myself. As for the immediate future, I feel that the ever-
increasing longing for better days and the rank which is my due will kill
me if I do not satisfy it speedily. I shall never be content with any
half-way position, and I fear you can not offer me more. Talk with my
father, and think of it during the night. Were I in your place, I would
at once resign the wish to win a person like me, for if you really love
me as ardently as it seems, you will receive in exchange only a lukewarm
liking for your person and a warm interest in what you can accomplish;
but in other respects, far worse than nothing--peril after peril. But
if you will be reasonable and give up your suit, I shall not blame you
a moment. How bewildered you still stare at me! But there comes father,
and I must finish my work before the irons get cold."

Wolf gazed after her speechlessly, while she withdrew behind the table
as quietly as if they had been discussing the most commonplace things.