I wanted to cry out, No! I felt with all my being that I should say No. But at the same time I knew that the struggle was in vain.
She had ignited something within me, and I was all aflame,—burning, burning.
She seized me in an embrace and pressed upon my lips a long, passionate kiss. Within me, my being shouted, sang and exulted.
I was young again! Young again! How we both rejoiced!
To-morrow I am supposed to visit her. Until to-day I longed for to-morrow to arrive. And now I am afraid of it. To-day I do not desire it. I tremble lest I go to her after all. Whither will this lead? Who is she? What is she? Why has she singled me out? I have grey hairs already and a grown-up daughter almost her age.
Isn’t that the rustle of the paper with which I stuffed the broken pane?
Yes. Somebody’s clawing and tearing at it.
Or perhaps it’s the black cat again! I jump to my feet and run to the window. Yes. The black cat has pulled out the paper and has already thrust her head in through the opening.
No! This time you shall not crawl in! I place my hand upon her head and press, press with all my strength. Oh, surely I’ll crush the feline life out of her!...