“You are so cold.”

“And you don’t think enough of Urania.”

“I think of the feminist movement.”

He sat down.

“I’m afraid you must go,” she said, laughing with her eyes. “I have to dress ... to go and dine with Mr. van der Staal.”

He kissed her hand:

“You are an angel and a demon. You know everything. You can do anything. You are the most interesting woman I ever met.”

“Because I correct proofs.”

“Because you are what you are.”

And, very seriously, still holding her hand he said, almost threateningly: