more correct now that we have taken such a decision,—I mean it looks more fair towards Stephensen."
"But suppose he came this evening!"
"Has he spoken about it?"
"No, I only thought that he possibly might do so, perhaps only to prevent your being alone with me. He very likely thinks you will come as usual."
"You are right, anyhow I will not leave the field open for him. If he comes, then send for me; there is, I suppose, some one you could send such a short distance.… Look, here is my pocket-book, I will leave it with you. If I have that sent to me, then I shall know that I am to come. Just let him know that you are sending it to me, it is better for him to understand that I am not coming uninvited.… Farewell, my beloved, no one can forbid me calling you that."
I gave her my hand, which she pressed impetuously, while she looked penetratingly into my eyes with a frightened and questioning smile, and her face approached a very little nearer, perhaps unconsciously to herself. I then drew her to my breast, and our lips met in a long kiss, as if each of us would forcibly imbibe the other's life in order to have it safe and impregnable. At last I felt that she relaxed from my embrace, and in stepping back, still with my arm round her waist, I noticed that she could hardly stand, her head fell on to her shoulder, she gasped for breath and trembled. I led her carefully across to the little sofa, on which I allowed her to slip down, and then I pushed the cushion under her head.
Thereupon I opened the door and called her mother, who at once appeared out of the obscurity of the kitchen, and, when I had told her that Minna was unwell, she again disappeared to fetch some water. Nimble and confused,
