Another customer entered. Mr. Feuerstein again went to the rear
of the space outside the counters. ``She loves me. She will
gladly die with me,'' he muttered. ``First into HER heart, then
into mine, and we shall be at peace, dead, as lovers and heroes
die!''

When they were again alone, he advanced and began to edge round
the end of the counter. She was no longer looking at him, did
not note his excitement, was thinking only of how to induce him
to go. ``Hilda,'' he said, ``I have one last request--a dying
man's request--''

The counter was no longer between them. He was within three feet
of her. His right hand was in his coat pocket, grasping the
knife. His eyes began to blaze and he nerved himself to seize
her--

Both heard her father's voice in the hall leading to the
sitting-room. ``You must go,'' she cried, hastily retreating.

``Hilda,'' he pleaded rapidly, ``there is something I must say to
you. I can not say it here. Come over to Meinert's as soon as
you can. I shall be in the sitting-room. Just for a moment,
Hilda. It might save my life. If not that, it certainly would
make my death happier.''

Brauner was advancing into the shop and his lowering face warned
Mr. Feuerstein not to linger. With a last, appealing look at
Hilda he departed.