And only then for the first time the whole thing presented itself in a new, different aspect; only then she realized that the question did not affect her only-- with whom she would be happy, and whom she loved--but that she would have that moment to wound a man whom she liked.

And to wound him cruelly.

What for? Because he, dear fellow, loved her, was in love with her.

But there was no help for it, so it must be, so it would have to be.

"My God! shall I myself really have to say it to him?" she thought.