And I took her by the hand. From now on my heart almost ceased to beat. I told her all I had wanted to say to her for two years.
“Irinel, Irinel, I love you! Do you love me? Why are you silent? Why do you look down? Tell me, shall I leave the house where I have watched you growing up under my eyes, or——”
We embraced each other; we kissed each other. It was over.
Lord! How brave men are when they are in love!
I grew cold all over when I reflected that this scene had not yet taken place, but was still to come. I sank down under my quilt afraid of such courage.
It began to grow light. I went off to sleep gradually, rehearsing this heroic scene:
“Irinel, will you come for a walk?”
“No, merci!”
“This cannot be, you must——”