as not prepared for such
reproaches. Certainly I was only thinking of you and me, and I am not
in the least ashamed to confess it, for there is nothing in the world of
more importance for me than our love."

"And your country, Edith? is that of no account?"

"My country--what is it? A piece of earth with stones, trees, animals,
and men who are nothing to me, to whom I owe nothing and am indebted for
nothing. Why should I love them more than the inhabitants of any other
region, amongst whom there are just as many good and bad people as
amongst them? I am an Englishwoman: well, but I am also a Christian.
And who would have the right to condemn me, if the commandments of
Christianity were more sacred to me than all narrow-minded, national
considerations? If the possession of this paper really made you the
stronger--if it should bring defeat upon England, instead of the
hoped-for victory which would only endlessly prolong the war--what would
mankind lose thereby? Perhaps peace would be the sooner concluded, and,
justly proud of my act, I would then confess before all the world."

Heideck had not interrupted her, but she saw that her words had not
convinced him. With gloomy countenance he stood before her, breathing
hard, like one whose heart is oppressed by a heavy burden.

"Forgive me, but I cannot follow your train of thought," said he, with
a melancholy shake of the head. "There are things which cannot be
extenuated however we may try to palliate them."

"Well, then, if you think what I have done so monstrous, what is there
to prevent us from undoing it? Give me back the paper; I will tear it
up. Then no one will be injured by my treachery."

"It is too late for that. Now that I know what this paper contains,
my sense of duty as an officer commands me to make use of it. You have
involved me in a fearful struggle with myself."

"Oh, is that your logic? Your sense of honour does not forbid you to
reap the fruits of my treachery, but you punish the traitress with the
full weight of your contempt."

He avoided meeting her flaming eyes.

"I did not say I despised you, but--"

"Well, what else do you mean?"

"Once again--I do not despise you, but it terrifies me to find what you
are capable of."

"Is not that the same thing in other words? A man cannot love a woman
if he is terrified at her conduct. Tell me straight out that you can no
longer love me."

"It would be a lie if I said so, Edith. You have killed ou