"Do not blaspheme!" pleaded Cornelia "And suppose you did not have me? Suppose it should be God's will to separate us, and you were alone,--entirely alone?" "Cornelia, how can you think of such a thing while you clasp me in your arms? If we should lose each other, what should I become? An embodied negation, separated from all connection with mankind, withered in mind and body,--a living corpse, to which the world is only a grave." "_Heinrich_, dear, dear _Heinrich_! you inspire me with both compassion and horror! Oh, banish these gloomy spirits from your mind, and become light-hearted and gentle! Fate is not subdued by threats and blasphemies; the ground on which happiness willingly builds its nest must be firm and peaceful, not trembling with volcanic shocks and rumbling with peals of thunder. Come, be gentle; such wicked words suit your delicate mouth. Smile again; Veronica will soon wake up, and then we can no longer express our love in fond caresses." "Yes, that is true!" cried _Heinrich_; "let us enjoy the moment while we may." And it was _Henri_ who now threw himself upon the sofa beside Cornelia and drew her closely to him. Cornelia looked at him in astonishment. His eyes were beaming with ardent feeling; a warmer color tinged his cheeks; his mouth, half-pouted for a kiss was irresistibly alluring. "It often seems as if you changed places with some one, and in an instant became an entirely different man. I never saw such sudden alterations of mood." "Ah, do not speak! kiss me!" pleaded _Henri_. "Darling, how I have longed for those lips! Many a night have I tossed as if in a fever, thirsting, yearning for you. Did you think of me when you went to rest?" "Yes, a thousand times. I have never fallen asleep without calling 'Good-night, _Heinrich_!' and the words became my nightly prayer. I shall never forget it." "How beautiful! What time do you say it?" "At eleven: when I am in bed." "In future I shall always say, 'Pleasant dreams, Cornelia!' You will remember it, won't you, my darling?" "Of course I shall," she whispered, pressing her cheek close to his. Light, scarcely audible footsteps approached. Cornelia started up. "Veronica is coming!"