"Well, it is hunting. I go to seek Michael in his lair."
She had turned very pale.
"So you see, sweet, I was not so poor a lover as you thought me. I shall not be long gone."
"You will write to me, Rudolf?"
I was weak, but I could not say a word to stir suspicion in her.
"I'll send you all my heart every day," said I.
"And you'll run no danger?"
"None that I need not."
"And when will you be back? Ah, how long it will be!"
"When shall I be back?" I repeated.
"Yes, yes! Don't be long, dear, don't be long, I shan't sleep while you're away."
"I don't know when I shall be back," said I.
"Soon, Rudolf, soon?"
"God knows, my darling. But if never——"
"Hush, hush!" and she pressed her lips to mine.
"If never," I whispered, "you must take my
