Page:Karl Gjellerup - Minna, A novel - 1913.djvu/199

 was overcrowded with well-dressed people. Minna's dress was plain, though not so plain that it was striking, but many eyes were turned upon her. She was too moved to be worried by the attention paid to her, or even to notice it.

We stepped out upon a balcony where a mild summer air met us refreshingly. The beautiful open square, surrounded by monumental buildings, lay calm and deserted under us, while crowds swarmed over the Elbe bridge; the wood-covered heights were bathed in sunshine and seemed to be quite close. A feeling of endless happiness and richness overcame me.

"You are sighing!" said Minna, who was leaning upon me.

"It is only because I am much too happy, much more so than I deserve." I answered. "Do you know, it was rather presumptuous of me to propose to you."

She looked at me with a questioning smile.

"As I did not know all that was in you, I ought to have waited until I knew you as I do now. I discover new treasures every day. I am getting richer and richer."

Minna said nothing, but pressed my arm firmly to her bosom.