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But she did not awaken

I gently set the lamp on the floor, sank down beside Wanda's bed, and rested htly, but even now did not awaken I do not kno long I lay thus in the ht, turned as into a stone by horrible tor seized me, and I was able to cry My tears flowed over her arm She quivered several times and finally sat up; she brushed her hand across her eyes, and looked at ry

I was unable to reply

"Severin," she continued softly, "what is the matter? Are you ill?"

Her voice sounded so sympathetic, so kind, so full of love, that it clutched an to sob aloud

"Severin," she began anew "My poor unhappy friend" Her hand gently stroked my hair "I am sorry, very sorry for you; but I can't help you; with the best intention in the world I know of nothing that would cure you"

"Oh, Wanda, ony

"What, Severin? What are you talking about?"

"Don't you love me anymore?" I continued "Haven't you even a little bit of pity for er taken complete possession of you?"

"I cannot lie," she replied softly after a short pause "He has made an impression on me which I haven't yet been able to analyze, further than that I suffer and tremble beneath it It is an impression of the sort I have e, but I always thought it was a fig and beautiful and yet gentle, not brutal like the men of our northern world I am sorry for you, Severin, I aive myself to him, if he will have me"

"Consider your reputation, Wanda, which so far has reerit," she replied, "I intend to be strong, as long as it is possible, I want--" she buried her head shyly in the pillows --"I want to become his wife--if he will have ain by that mortal fear, which always robs me of my breath, makesto him for always Oh! Do not drive me away! He does not love you--"