The candle in this lamp burned night and day, through winter's storms and summer's balms.

The flame dimmed and glowed, a kindly reminder in the gloom.

It was a shrine to the Virgin Mary; and before this Gretchen paused, offering a silent prayer that the Holy Mother preserve this dream of hers.
A footstep from behind caused her to start.

The vintner took her roughly in his arms and kissed her many times.
Her heart shook within her, but she did not surrender her purpose under these caresses.

She freed herself energetically and stood a little away from him, panting and star-eyed.
"Gretchen ?" She did not speak.
"What is it ?" "You ask ?" "Was it a crime, then, to jump out of the window ?" He laughed.
Gretchen's face grew sterner.