"Speak, my dear Marie.

Say the word, and we shall be all happy, and there will be no happier family found in Berlin, or the world even.

Say that you will marry Ebenstreit, and we will love and bless you so long as we live.

Do say yes, dear Marie!" Her hands fell from her face, and stretching them out toward her parents, she looked at them in despair.
There was a fearful pause.

"I cannot, it is impossible!" she shrieked.
"I cannot marry this man, for I do not love him.