A charming little cat with Pilar's
features was rubbing herself against his leg. The pussy blinked up
at the young Greek god with an expression of adoration, half-comic,
half-touching, while he bent his head and gazed down at her
thoughtfully. Pilar took the sheet from Wilhelm's hand and compared
it with hers.
"They are exactly the same," she said at last, "only that they are
entirely the opposite of one another. Do you really feel that I am
as you have drawn me?"
"Yes," he answered in a low voice.
"How unjust you are to yourself and to me--I a Sphinx and you a
frightened mouse! To begin with, the Sphinx-cat did not condescend
to mice, but occupied herself with men, and humbled herself before
the right one when he came."
"You are decidedly too learned for me," laughed Wilhelm.
"No, no, seriously, it hurts me that you should regard our relations
in that light. Am I not at your feet? Am I not your slave, your
chattel, your plaything, what you will? Have I not chosen you to be
lord and master over me? Am I a riddle to you? My love for you is
the solution of any mystery you may find in me. Or do you accuse me
of cruelty? That could only be in fun, you bad man."
"You take a mere playful idea too tragically, dearest Pilar.
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