She stood in the doorway. He wanted to tell her what was in his mind, but she didn’t give him time. She came straight to him, put her arms around his neck; her soft body intoxicated him. His heart’s desire realized—Julie his wife; he couldn’t let her go, he kissed her again and again. She laughed and said in her soft, sensuous voice:
“Oh, oh, don’t eat me.”
“It’s forever, Julie, forever?”
He stammered out the words. He was terribly excited, poor lad. She grew very serious.
“Yes—it is forever.” Then she cried and he tried to comfort her.
“I’ve had a great deal of excitement today. Go now.”
She let him kiss her again. He went unsteadily like a soberly inclined man who had rushed violently into an orgy of liquor. It was dawn when he slipped quietly out of his house and dropped a letter to Martin into the post-box, he had written everything, just how it happened.
The only thing that clouds my indescribable happiness is the thought that you may resent my not giving you your chance, but it was out of my hands. When Mrs. Gonzola called me tonight, I had no idea of what was awaiting me. My happiness came to me. I cannot let it go.
He expected no answer to his letter. It came by return mail:
There is nothing to be angry about; I would have done the same in your place. I would take her away from you now, if it were possible, but—don’t be uneasy, she doesn’t care enough for me. I don’t think she’s insane about you, but you are the safer proposition. You won’t see me for some time.