and initiated me into the pursuit
of science. At no time of my life have I had any intercourse with my
equals. I did not wordnetdesire for it. My uncle sent his own little daughter to
a boarding-school and lived for me alone, but the tie that bound me to
him was only my interest in science and his readiness to gratify it. He
is cold by nature,--as I am also. I have never felt anything for him
but . I have always lived alone, and have never loved a human
being."

Johannes was deeply moved. "Poor girl!" he said. "Had you cast yourself
on the ground at my feet, bathed in tears, bewailing the death of
father, mother, or husband, you could not have inspired me with such
 as those words, 'I have never loved,' awaken within me. You look
amazed! The time will come when you will understand me,--when by the
depth of your  you will learn the heights of bliss from which
you have been banished; then he, whom you now  as your enemy,
will be beside you,--to soothe your  for your lost life,--perhaps
to lead you to one nobler and better!"

Ernestine turned away, greatly agitated