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16 of the limbs often peeped as if stealthily through the slight, soft garment. Nor can I clearly set forth the words which we spoke; I can only remember that we bound ourselves to one another, and that we caressed and comforted one another, joyfully and happily, frankly and confidingly, like bridegroom and bride, or almost like brother and sister. And we often did not talk at all, but gazed into each other's eyes, and in this blissful beholding we remained for eternities. How I awoke I know not, but I long revelled in the after-feelings of this happy love. I was long intoxicated with unheard-of delight; the yearning depth of my heart was full of happiness; a joy before unknown seemed to spread over all my feelings, and I remained glad and gay, though I never again saw the loved one of my dreams. But had I not enjoyed whole eternities in her glance? And she indeed knew me too well not to know also that I love no repetitions."

"Truly," cried Maria, "you are un homme à bonne fortune. But tell me, was Mademoiselle Laurence a marble statue or a picture, a dear girl, or a dream?"

"Perhaps all together," replied Maximilian, very seriously.

"I can well believe, dear friend, that this love was of a rather doubtful substance. And when will you tell me this story?"