She clutched his hand impulsively. 'You promise . . .'
'Frau Lenore, think a moment; what right have I . . .'
'You promise? You don't want me to die here at once before your eyes?'
Sanin was utterly nonplussed. It was the first time in his life he had had to deal with any one of ardent Italian blood.
'I will do whatever you like,' he cried. 'I will talk to Fräulein Gemma.. . .'
Frau Lenore uttered a cry of delight.
'Only I really can't say what result will come of it . . .'
'Ah, don't go back, don't go back from your words!' cried Frau Lenore in an imploring voice; 'you have already consented! The result is certain to be excellent. Any way, I can do nothing more! She won't listen to me!'
'Has she so positively stated her disinclination to marry Herr Klüber?' Sanin inquired after a short silence.
'As if she 'd cut the knot with a knife! She's her father all over, Giovanni Battista! Wilful girl!'
'Wilful? Is she!' . . . Sanin said slowly.
'Yes . . . yes . . . but she's an angel too. She will mind you. Are you coming soon?
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