“You will certainly not go when you have heard me. You think I am
strong, brave, and capable to breast the storm? You are mistaken. I was
only drawing upon your energy, Daniel. I am a child, full of daring as
long as it rests on its mother’s knee, but helpless as soon as it feels
that it is left to itself; I am only a woman, Daniel; I am weak.”
The unhappy man felt his strength leaving him; he could no longer bear
the restraint which he had imposed upon himself.
“You insist upon sending me off in utter despair?” he asked her. “Ah, I
have hardly courage enough for myself!”