Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/193

 "But what has happened?" he exclaimed in alarm.

The sound of his voice roused her, and she tried to fly. But he took hold of her arm and held her back.

"No, no, you mustn't go away like this. Whatever is the matter, Hansine? Has any one done you any harm? Won't you confide in me? I assure you I am your friend."

She tried to wrench herself away, but he put his arm round her shoulder and held her fast.

"I will not let you go in this state. You are not master of yourself. For heaven's sake, Hansine, what is it?"

He was at his wits' end. Was she ill? He did not hear any sound of crying, but he was sensible that the form he held was convulsed with emotion. What on earth should he do?

He had tears of sympathy in his eyes. He could not bear to see her suffer so. His own spirit was in such a turmoil that he could hardly command himself. Now for the first time he felt certain what his feelings were for this young girl. He knew it now—he loved her! For the first time in his life he felt love flame up in his heart