The fetters of a regular Philistine marriage
would probably burden them, and, after all, it would not be morally so
beautiful and so strong as a daily desired and renewed companionship.
He, for his part, at any rate, would desire nothing better than the
endless continuance of their present relations.
Else was not satisfied. She continued to try to persuade and convince
him. She became excited, Robert remained calm. She entreated, he grew
morose and taciturn. Scarcely waiting for the coffee, which he swallowed
as swiftly as the warmth of the fragrant beverage permitted, he left Else
immediately on some slight pretext.
Far from softening him, Else's eager words had made him indignant, almost
incensed. This was certainly an attempt to take him by surprise. For a
moment the suspicion even awoke that Thiel was in league with Frau von
der Lehde, his warning, her demand were arranged, a preconcerted attack
had been executed on both sides. True, he did not dwell long upon this
thought, whose improbability he himself soon perceived, but he mentally
repeated Frau von der Lehde's words again and again.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181