Will you solemnly promise, that no soul in the world shall learn what we speak of in this hour ?" "What have you to say to me ?" asked Otto, affected by the extraordinary earnestness of the old woman.
"The German Heinrich, the player! You remember him well?
He is to blame for your grief! Yes, his name drives the blood more quickly through your pulse.

I feel it, even if I cannot see your face." "The German Heinrich!" repeated Otto, and his hand really trembled.
Had Heinrich, then, when he was here three years ago, told her and the fishermen that which no human being must know,--that which had destroyed the gayety of his youth?
"What have I to do with the German Heinrich ?" "Nothing more than a pious Christian has to do with the devil!" replied she, and made the sign of the cross.

"But Heinrich has whispered an evil word in your ear; he has banished your joyous humor, as one banishes a serpent." "Has he told you this ?" exclaimed Otto, and breathed more quickly.

"Tell me all that he has said!" "You will not make me suffer for it!" said she.

"I am innocent, and yet I have cooperated in it: it was only a word but a very unseemly word, and for it one must account at the day of judgment!" "I do not understand you!" said Otto, and his eyes glanced around to see whether any one heard.