"That is well spoken, and I shall tell him." "No, you must not tell him, Ruth. Remember that I talk to you as a friend, and not as a child." "But I will tell him, because then his brow will become smooth, and he will be happy. He likes to think that people know him to be clever; and he will be glad to be told that you understand him." "I think him greater and better than all men; but, Ruth, you must not tell him what I say--not now, at least--for a reason." "What reason, Nina?" "Well; I will tell you, though I would not tell anyone else in the world. When we parted last I was angry with him--very angry with him." "He had been scolding you, perhaps?" "I should not mind that--not in the least. He has a right to scold me." "He has a right to scold me, I suppose; but I mind it very much." "But he has no right to distrust me, Ruth. I wish he could see my heart and all my mind, and know every thought in my breast, and then he would feel that he could trust me. I would not deceive him by a word or a look for all the world. He does not know how true I am to him, and that kills me." "I will tell him everything." "No, Ruth; tell him nothing. If he cannot find it out without being told, telling will do no good. If you thought a person was a thief, would you change your mind because the person told you he was honest? He must find it out for himself if he is ever to know it." When Ruth was gone, Nina knew that she had been comforted. To have spoken about her lover was in itself much; and to have spoken about him as she had done seemed almost to have brought him once more near to her. Ruth had declared that Anton was sad, and had suggested to Nina that the cause of his sadness was the same as her own. There could not but be comfort in this. If he really wished to see her, would he not come over to the Kleinseite? There could be no reason why he should not visit the girl he intended to marry, and whom he was longing to see. Of course he had business which must occupy his time. He could not give up every moment to thoughts of love, as she could do. She told herself all this, and once more endeavoured to be comforted.