"You are punishing severely in this hour all that you have disapproved in me hitherto." "No," cried Sabine, holding out her hand, "not so, my friend.

If there have been hours in which you have pained me, there have been others in which I have looked up to you in admiration; and this is the very reason that keeps us apart forever.

I can never be at rest near you; I am constantly tossed from one extreme of feeling to another; I am not sure of you, nor ever should be.

I should have to conceal this inward conflict in a relation where my whole nature ought to be open to you, and you would find that out, and would be angry with me." She gave him her hand.

Fink bent low over the little hand, and pressed a kiss upon it.
"Blessings on your future!" said Sabine, trembling all over.