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 partly, or by halves, but entirely--all that justly belongs to me by every law of God and nature. As long as only myself was concerned, you know very well that I did not lack patience or readiness to wait. But now it is different. With the child new duties have arisen, and I would be a bad mother indeed if I thought lightly of these duties, and was contented with your procrastination and indecision. Then, indeed, our connection would only deserve to end in the very same way as love intrigues between noblemen and burgher-girls generally do.”

“You are a little hysterical, Jenny,” said the baron very decidedly, trying to defend himself, “and I put it down to the illness you have just gone through safely. As yet I have not, I hope, deserved from you to be placed in the same category with frivolous, though noble, libertines.”

“As yet you did not deserve it,” Jenny replied, growing warm,“ but from your manner here to-day, and from what you have said, no unprejudiced listener could wonder that doubt and mistrust are awakened within me, and that I let you know it without any reserve. I long, Mundy, to have everything clear and plain between us, between a true, faithful husband and wife. From this standpoint I will not recede one step. And this very day, before you leave this room, I must have full certainty from you for myself and my child.”

“And if I, from reasons which are as well known to you as to me”

“Give me my child!” said Jenny, interrupting him hastily.

Half bashfully, almost shyly, the baron put his little son into her arms.

The mother folded the baby to her heart, held her 3em