She had always seen him
humble and pleading, always submissive and obedient; now his glance
was commanding, his voice imperious; and she, who had been able to
withstand the entreaties of a lover, found no courage to resist the
angry and commanding man. "Remain," he repeated; "be seated, and
allow me to speak to you honestly and truly."
Laura seated herself obediently and tremblingly; the prince stood
before her, and looked at her with a sad smile.
"Yesterday you returned my letter unopened, but now you must hear
me, Laura; I wish it, and no woman can withstand the strong will of
the man who loves her."
Laura trembled and grew pale; she feared that if at this moment he
bade her forsake all, cast away, and trample under foot her honor,
her reputation, her innocence and pure conscience, she would obey
him as a true and humble slave, and follow and serve him her whole
life.
"Yes, you shall hear me; I will know my fate--know if you really
despise my great and devoted love, if you are without pity, without
sympathy for my suffering, my struggles and despair. I should think
that true, genuine love would, like the music of Orpheus, have power
to animate stones and flowers, and my love cannot even move the
heart of a noble, feeling girl.
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