not decide just yet. Consider the matter carefully, consider what your duties are and the sacrifices which you have to make. I could appeal to your ambition, but I am speaking only to your heart. Prokop, she is suffering beyond her strength and bringing to love a greater sacrifice than any other woman. And you too have suffered. Prokop, you are suffering with your conscience, but I will not try to exert any pressure on you because I have confidence in you. Consider the matter carefully, and tell me later . . .”
Mr. Carson nodded his head, this time really deeply touched.
“That’s so,” he said. “I don’t come of any sort of family myself, but I must say that . . . that . . . I tell you, that woman has race. God! one can see straight away . . .” He struck the region of his heart with his fist and blinked his eyes. “Man, I’d throttle you if you weren’t worthy . . .”
Prokop was not listening. He sprang up and marched up and down the room with his face distorted with rage. “I—I must, eh?” He ground out hoarsely. “So I must? Good. If I must . . . you’ve diddled me! But I didn’t want”
Uncle Rohn stood up and quietly put his hand on his shoulder. “Prokop,” he said, ‘you must decide yourself. We don’t want to hurry you; consult with the best that there is in you. Ask God, love or conscience or feeling or I don’t know what. But remember that this does not only concern you but her who loves you so much that she’s ready to . . .” He waved his hand hopelessly. “Au revoir!”
