about him, or even, that he loved another—but what have I heard! That he, in the midst of an active and social life, which offered him so many different and stronger inducements, has retained his affection more faithfully than I, who had nothing to distract me. Oh, how meanly and miserably have I behaved! If he had held me in contempt! Oh, I have not the heart to wish it, and still perhaps it would have been better for all of us! But instead he comes here, as if his life and happiness depended on my decision—mine! Poor me! That so much love should be able to be a curse for one—love which, otherwise, is the greatest blessing."
She turned away, struggling to repress her tears.
"Dearest Minna," I began, laying my hand on her trembling shoulder, "you are right, I could have foreseen all this, and I ought to have. I now think that your feeling towards me is rather an enthusiastic friendship than a real love."
"Why?" she exclaimed, and turned towards me with swimming eyes—" why cannot I love you both? Perhaps I do in a different way, you are not alike and the conditions are also now quite different. Perhaps in reality I love you best"
"Oh, Minna!"
"And am most in love with him," she added faintly, lowering her eyes.
My outstretched arms fell, and I started as if I had received a blow. Now I felt how that elementary power, which my jealousy had ever secretly feared, was rising against me, scattering my hopes, overthrowing all my nearly victorious efforts, carrying the day with the irresistible birthright of love. But in a moment Minna was embracing me with genuine tenderness.
