"Yes, I do." And suddenly lapsing into a confidential tone, I questioned him: "By the way, Jake, is this the first time you have ever been in love?"
"Why?"
"I just want to know. Is it?"
"What difference does it make? Have you ever been in love before?"
"What difference does that make? If you answer my question I shall answer yours." "Well, then, I have never been in love before."
"And I have."
He was intensely interested, and I confided my love story in him, which served to strengthen our friendship still further. When I concluded my narrative he said, thoughtfully: "Of course you don't love Madame Klesmer. I tell you what, Levinsky, you are still in love with Matilda."
I made no answer
"Anyhow, you don't love Madame Klesmer."
This time he said it without reproach. Once I was in love with somebody else I was excused.