Unexpectedly, doesn't it? Well, it was not altogether an accident either. Why didn't I come to see you for two weeks?
CLARA.
How do I know? I think it was because we got angry at each other the
Sunday before!
LEONARD.
Oh, I was cunning enough to bring about that little disagreement on purpose—so that I could stay away without its astonishing you too much!
CLARA.
I don't understand you!
LEONARD.
I suppose not. I took advantage of the time to pay court to the burgomaster's little hump-backed niece, whom the old fellow thinks so much of, and who is his right hand, just as the bailiff is his left. Understand me correctly! I didn't say anything nice to her about herself, except perhaps a compliment regarding her hair, which everybody knows is red—so I just told her some nice things she liked to hear about you.