"Certainly, if I can. Why not? I am very fond of you." "And I am very fond of you; it is just because of that I ask you to give me your word that you will do what I want." "My darling, how can I do such a thing? One must not pledge his word of honour lightly; you know perfectly well I would do anything for you if I could. Now what is it?" She had risen from her reclining position, and looked at him entreatingly, her eyes dilating. She was quite white from mental excitement, and her voice trembled as she said: "Do me the favour, and don't send the money to Willberg." He regarded her with intense astonishment. "Why ever not? The money is lying idle here, and even if I hadn't it myself I could easily get it. I have constantly offered Willberg my help; I must certainly give it him now. Besides, it is a great satisfaction to me, as you will understand, that he should have to apply to me again. You don't want to spoil my pleasure, do you?" And he turned to go, but Olga kept him back. "George, give your money to whomsoever you like--do with it whatever you like--it is no concern of mine, but you must not help Willberg. Do you understand? You ought not to help him!" She spoke with such resolution and determination that he went up to her and seized her hand; he noticed how she trembled, and a feeling of nervous excitement took possession of him. "Olga, you are keeping silent about something; you must have reasons which you are concealing from me, but I insist on knowing everything. When you ask me not to help Willberg, and tell me that I ought not to help him, you must also tell me the reason why." She looked at him with an expression of profound love. "Do not ask me, do not torture me, I cannot tell you." "And what if I insist?" He also had become deadly pale, and he held her hand in an iron grip. "I insist upon knowing--do you understand? You must not utter a half complaint, but you must have the courage to tell the whole truth. I have always considered you an honourable, faithful and upright person--don't show me I have made a mistake." A mighty conflict raged within her as she stood by him; her eyes were cast down, her whole body trembled, and she was swayed and tossed about by terrible mental struggles. Then she raised her eyes and looked at him frankly and openly. "Very well, then, you shall know all, but only on one condition." "And what is that?" "That you give me your word of honour not to tell Willberg a word of what I am going to tell you. There is no reason why you should not do that." He regarded her doubtfully. "Is that really so?"