with his customers? It's utterly inconsistent! And now I am to send
him away! But what are we going to live on? At one time we were the
only people that made angel cakes, and nougat of pistachio nuts, and
we had plenty of customers; but now all the shops make angel cakes!
Only consider; even without this, they'll talk in the town about your
duel ... it's impossible to keep it secret. And all of a sudden, the
marriage broken off! It will be a scandal, a scandal! Gemma is a
splendid girl, she loves me; but she's an obstinate republican, she
doesn't care for the opinion of others. You're the only person that
can persuade her!'

Sanin was more amazed than ever. 'I, Frau Lenore?'

'Yes, you alone ... you alone. That's why I have come to you; I could
not think of anything else to do! You are so clever, so good! You
have fought in her defence. She will trust you! She is bound to trust
you--why, you have risked your life on her account! You will make her
understand, for I can do nothing more; you make her understand that
she will bring ruin on herself and all of us. You saved my son--save
my daughter too! God Himself sent you here ... I am ready on my knees
to beseech you....' And Frau Lenore half rose from her seat as though
about to fall at Sanin's feet.... He restrained her.

'Frau Lenore! For mercy's sake! What are you doing?'

She clutched his hand impulsively. 'You promise ...'

'Frau Lenore, think a moment; what right have I ...'

'You promise? You don't want me to die here at once before your eyes?'