it was to me an intolerable thought that it should hang there "in the stocks," and later on in a stranger's house—as a Mengs!
I thought I would take it home and burn it.
But, as I found myself facing the Albert Bridge, I was struck suddenly by the thought: "Why not throw it into the Elbe?" Then I should avoid opening it, and seeing it again.
There were only a few people on the bridge. I went out to the parapet of the middle pillar, towards the stream; it was still somewhat high water. Quickly I looked round; there was nobody near. Then I let go the picture. It disappeared under the water, and I heard it crush against the ice-break of the pillar.
Depressed in spirit, I went home.
On my table lay a letter from the Professor.
Minna had died that morning, quite unexpectedly, from apoplexy of the heart.
