“Yes, you are, for you are only talking nonsense!” exclaimed my companion⁠—his voice now trembling and his eyes flashing fire. “Are you aware,” he continued, “that wretched, ignoble, petty, unfortunate man though you are, it was at her request I came to Homburg, in order to see you, and to have a long, serious talk with you, and to report to her your feelings and thoughts and hopes⁠—yes, and your recollections of her, too?”

“Indeed? Is that really so?” I cried⁠—the tears beginning to well from my eyes. Never before had this happened.