Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/541

 directly the finger points! For every one of us it is fixed and no resistance can avail. Welcome every aid to its fulfillment. My Fate, be assured that I shall aid thee to the uttermost.

Lena (Frightened).—Mr. Karl, what’s that you are muttering?

Burris.—The curse of Iblis is about to take effect. Smail Beg, you are well avenged! First you destroyed my offspring and now you destroy me. Fate! Surely Fate! Or is it my own incompetence? Perhaps Miss Lena, I took good care of your colts, but my own I destroyed. (Pausing close to her.) And now most gracious lady

Lena (Seizing his arms with a grip that he cannot shake off).—Mr. Burris, I know what you are planning (Struggles with him.) Madman!

Burris.—Gracious lady, I give you notice to take effect today. I beg you to release me from your service now  today.

Lena.—I can’t let you off so easily. You have an account to render me yet.

Burris.—My accounts are square, I swear, and you have nothing more to demand of me.

Lena.—I have, much more. I demand your life, Mr. Karl!

Burris.—Miss Lena, please let me go, you hurt me.

Lena.—And no one ever asks about my pain. ( tries with supreme effort to free himself, and grows momentarily rigid with pain.) I shall not let you go. You shall stay here with me, or you must take me with you.

Burris.—How do you mean, take you away? I am going away with Erna.

Lena.—You can’t deceive me, Mr. Karl, and don’t try to deceive yourself. I know what road you mean to take. Please, Mr. Karl, all is not lost. If you have been disappointed in one love—another may Harshaw will remain true to you till death.

Burris.—You are mistaken in your fears. I confess that for a moment I thrilled under the thought of what you suggest, but now I have a different plan. I mean to fulfill Erna’s ambition. I am determined to win back her heart. Please, let go.

Lena.—You two can never take another step together on earth. Over there all is lost for you.

Burris.—Very well then. No one has any further claim on me, neither she nor you. What I am to do henceforth shall be of my own free will. Somewhere perhaps I may be able to forget.