"The resolutions of men are sometimes as
incalculable as those of women."
"He cannot possibly have to atone for a sin."
"Fraeulein von Markwald is above suspicion," said Thiel sternly,
interrupting her.
"Linden may be still more so, but the world, which does not know him so
well as I and--you, will probably think something of the sort."
"Certainly. Evil tongues have already begun their work. The newspaper
containing the announcement is still damp, and I have even now heard the
conjecture expressed that the baron was marrying Fraeulein von Markwald
because he had been forced to do so by her brother, who thought that
Linden had compromised her by his attentions."
"Forced Linden! He who has killed two opponents in a duel! A Hussar
officer will not frighten him. That's nonsense."
"Of course it is nonsense. Only I don't see why people need go so far to
seek an explanation. Linden marries because he thinks he has found a
suitable life-companion. He really isn't too young for it."
"No," remarked Frau von der Lehde, "but I fear: too old."
"I don't know that," observed Thiel.
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