ut in this case your mistake might
involve us in a serious misunderstanding, by compelling me to give in
to Paula and make her my ally.--Here we are! But wait one moment
longer.--And once more, as to this gem. You see we may both be wrong--I
as much as you; but I firmly believe that I am in the right. If you make
a statement contrary to mine I shall appear before the judges as a
liar. We are now betrothed--we are but one, wholly one; what damages or
dignifies one of us humiliates or elevates the other. If you, who love
me--you, who, as it is already whispered, are soon to be the mistress of
the governor's house--make a statement opposed to mine they are certain
to believe it. You see, your whole nature is pure kindness, but you are
still too young and innocent quite to understand all the duties of that
omnipotent love which beareth and endureth all things. If you do not
yield to me cheerfully in this case you certainly do not love me as
you ought. And what is it to ask? I require nothing of you but that
you should state before the court that you saw Paula's necklace at noon
to-day, and that there was a gem hanging to it--a gem with Love and
Psyche engraved on it."

"And I am to say that before all those men?" asked Katharina doubtfully.

"You must indeed, you kind little angel!" cried Orion tenderly. "And
do you think it pretty in a betrothed bride to refuse her lover's first
request so grudgingly, suspiciously, and ungraciously? Nay, nay. If
there is the tiniest spark of love for me in your heart, if you do not
want to see me reduced to implore Paula for mercy...."

"But what is it all about? How can it matter so much to any one whether
a gem or a mere plate of gold...?"

"All that I will explain later," he hastily replied.

"Tell me now...."

"Impossible. We have already put the patience of the judges to too
severe a test. We have not a moment to lose."

"Very well then; but I shall die of confusion and shame if I have to
make a declaration...."

"Which is perfectly truthful, and by which you can prove to me that you
love me," he urged.

"But it is dreadful!" she exclaimed anxiously. "At least fasten my veil
closely over my face.--All those bearded men...."

"Like the ostrich," said Orion, laughing as he complied. "If you really
cannot agree with your... What is it you called me just now? Say it
again."

"My dearest!" she said shyly but tenderly.

She helped Orion to fold her veil twice over her face, a