But isnt that just the trouble, said
Hannele.
Well,she went to the boat, poor thing, and he didnt
come. Putting aside her basket of silks, she went to one of the windows. I dont
think he ever thoughtof another woman as being flesh and blood, after he knew me.
Hannele sat absolutely blank: really dazed. She flusheddeeply,But Im not as
important as you, am I? He sat down again in front ofher and put his hands out to
her, looking into her face.
But of course it is the womenwho are to blame in
the first place.
Thenshe drifted restlessly back to her chair.
Judging from his portrait, as you callit.
I want to buy a little present to takeback to
England with me.
The Colonel advises me to go home on
leave.
To sit there so quiet and to make such statementsin
all good faith: no, it was impossible.
Martin was real: German men were real toher. His
face glistened faintly, andhis eyes were dilated like a cats at night.
Do you think you matter as little as that to
her?
You dont happen to knowwhen he will be back? She
waited,and no word of explanation or anything. Hewas like the doll, a tall, slender,
well-bred man in uniform.
But thesame vacant darkness was on his
brow.
He resumed his posture, peering up the
telescope.
Hewas like the doll, a tall, slender, well-bred man
in uniform.
Well, nothing to me, outside of thisroom at this
minute.
I want to buy a little present to takeback to
England with me. In actual life, her ownGerman friends were real.
So she couldnt make upher mind whether to go next
day and meet the boat again. And youhave no right to get me into trouble, do you
see.
Annamaria von Prielau-Carolath, said Mitchka,
slightly bowing.