For her own peace of mind we must preserve it
A secret from her too.
MAX.
I love not secrets. Mark, what I will do.
I'll throw me at your father's feet—let him
Decide upon my fortune!—He is true,
He wears no mask—he hates all crooked ways—
He is so good, so noble!
THEKLA. (falls on his neck.)
MAX.
Have liv'd ten years already in his presence,
And who knows whether in this very moment
He is not merely waiting for us both
To own our loves, in order to unite us.
You are silent?
You look at me with such a hopelessness!
What have you to object against your father?
THEKLA.
He has no leisure time to think about
The happiness of us two.
(Taking his hand tenderly.)
Follow me!
Let us not place too great a faith in men.
These Tertskies—we will still be grateful to them
For every kindness, but not trust them further
Than they deserve;—and in all else rely
On our own hearts!
