But to her surprise the soldier
left the sidewalk and planted himself in the middle of the road. There
was no mistaking this second maneuver. The officer, whom she now
recognized, was bent on intercepting her. She stopped, a cold fury in
her heart.
To make sure, she essayed to go round. It was of no use. So she stopped
again.
"Herr," she said quietly, "I wish to pass."
"That is possible, Gretchen."
It was nine o'clock in the morning. The Adlergasse was at this time
deserted.
"Will you stand aside?"
"You have been haunting my dreams, Gretchen."
"That would be a pity. But I wish to pass."
"Presently. Do you know that you are the most beautiful being in all
Dreiberg?"
"I am in a hurry," said Gretchen.
"There is plenty of time."
"Not to listen to foolish speeches."
"I am not going to let you pass till I have had a kiss."
"Ah!" Battle flamed up in Gretchen's eyes. Somewhere in the past, in
some remote age, her forebears had been men-at-arms or knights in the
crusades.
"You are very hard to please. Some women--"
"But what kind of women?" bitingly. "Not such as I should care to meet.
Will you let me by peacefully?"
"After the toll, after the toll!"
Too late she started to run. He laughed and caught hold of her.
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