"You must calm yourself first. Suppose some one came in." His glance wandered uneasily to the door. "Oh, I will be calm directly. Oh, Lord! Lord!" "Felicitas." He would have liked to shake her, but was afraid to touch her with his hands. At the severity of his tone, she raised herself and wiped her face with limp hands. "I am weak," she stammered; "please get me my flask from the next room." He hurried away to do her bidding, for he was still consumed with anxiety that they might be surprised in their present situation. When he came back, she was lying motionless face downwards on the cushions. He called her name. Instead of answering, she pointed to the back of her head. He sprinkled a few drops of the strongly scented liquid on her hair, and then wiped his damp hands quickly on his coat-sleeve. She turned round. "Now my forehead," she whispered, with closed eyes. He moistened her temples. "How kind you are!" she whispered; and then went on, "one has to become as miserable as this to learn what true compassion is." "Sit up now," he commanded. "You are right," she replied, lifting wide eyes to his. "Our time is up. Ulrich may be back at any minute." Ulrich! The blood flamed into his face. His friend's name fell painfully upon him like a whip. "I must go at once!" he exclaimed. "Won't you wait and see him?" she asked innocently. He shook his head and set his teeth. "But you'll come to-morrow, will you not ... to-morrow?" He could do nothing but dumbly assent. She bent over the edge of the sofa to look for the lost slipper, which was hidden somewhere in the wainscotting. When she sat upright, she was smiling again. The blue eyes had regained their wonted lustre, only on the round cheeks flashed in rosy drops the last traces of her tears. "Are you angry with me?" she asked. "Why angry?" "Because I have made this foolish scene. But the burden of unshed tears was oppressing my soul.... And now that I have cried it away I feel more light-hearted and happier than I have done for months.... Oh, Leo ... let me thank you for the comfort you have given me!" And in her overflowing gratitude she caught his two giant hands in her soft little palms and tried to press them. He hurriedly took his leave. It seemed as if something were hunting him from the spot. But ashamed of his haste, he turned once more at the door. "Remember me to him," he said, looking steadily into her eyes. She nodded, and then bent her eyes on the floor.