“Mme. von Dunajew on her behalf agrees as his mistress to appear as often as possible in her furs, especially when she purposes some cruelty toward her slave.”
Appended at the bottom of the agreement was the date of the present day.
The second document contained only a few words.
“Having since many years become weary of existence and its illusions, I have of my own free will put an end to my worthless life.”
I was seized with a deep horror when I had finished. There was still time, I could still withdraw, but the madness of passion and the sight of the beautiful woman that lay all relaxed against my shoulder carried me away.
“This one you will have to copy, Severin,” said Wanda, indicating the second document. “It has to be entirely in your own handwriting; this, of course, isn’t necessary in the case of the agreement.”
I quickly copied the few lines in which I designated myself a suicide, and handed them to Wanda. She read them, and put them on the table with a smile.
“Now have you the courage to sign it?” she asked with a crafty smile, inclining her head.
I took the pen.
“Let me sign first,” said Wanda, “your hand is trembling, are you afraid of the happiness that is to be yours?”