action of mind, your nervous state,
has all been caused by me. Oh! Lenz, what I dreamt has come to pass.
Last night I thought I stood beside an open grave, and looked in,
deep, deep, and dark; little heaps of earth rolled down and down; I
tried to save myself, but could not; I stumbled, and was precipitated
to the bottom. Hold me fast! Now it is past--lay your hand on my
face--merciful powers! to think that you must die with me, that all
this misery has fallen on us, in order to bring me to repentance! I
deserve it, but you and this child." ... Tears prevented her saying
more; she seized Lenz's hand and placed it to her lips, then she
exclaimed:--

"An hour ago, I would gladly have died, but now I should be so glad to
live! I should like yet to show the world what I can do! I see now what
I have been. Henceforth I will thankfully implore a kind look or word.
Merciful Father! succour us, and save us from this dreadful death, if
only for a day, for an hour! I then would send for Franzl; Lenz, my
first shortcomings began with her."

"Now I do verily believe that the evil one is fairly driven out," said
the uncle: "a striking proof of it is your thinking of Franzl, and
wishing to benefit her, whose life you embittered by turning her away.
Here you have my hand in token of friendship; now all will be well."

Lenz could not speak; he hurried into the next room, and bringing some
of the spirit, he placed it to Annele's lips, saying:--"Drink, Annele,
and for every drop you drink, I would fain give you as many grateful
and loving words." Annele shook her head, and he went on:--"Only drink
it, to give you fresh strength. Now try to rest, and don't speak
another word."

Annele said she could not rest, though she would have been glad to do
so, as it was his wish; she lamented bitterly, that, in all probability
they must all soon die; but Lenz tried to soothe her by saying, that
they had still food enough to last for several days, and that they
ought to thank God for his great mercy in this; and before what they
had in the house was consumed, no doubt help would arrive. Annele then
began afresh to deplore the great sin she now felt she had committed,
in having received so unthankfully the blessings that had been granted
to her, always living in peace and plenty, and yet these mercies she
had utterly disregarded; and she perpetually bewailed and lamented,
saying--"I feel as if snakes were winding round my head. See if every
hair