The
character of your head suggested it to me, that was all. And then--"
"And then?"
"Well, if you must know it, the fearless, what shall I say, Amazon-
like manner in which you seized upon a man and took possession of
him, body and soul."
"Did I do that?"
He nodded.
"And you are mine?"
He nodded again.
"Tell me so, dearest, only love--say it."
He did not say it, but he kissed her.
"It is quite true," she remarked after a short pause, "I did take
possession of you. That was unwomanly, but I could not help it. You
are a cold-blooded German, and different from any man I ever knew
before. You did not know how to appreciate the good fortune that
befell you when chance set you down at my side in that dreary little
hole. You abominable creature, for a whole fortnight you took not
the slightest notice of me; you sat there beside me like a block,
and never so much as looked at me. For a long time I did not know
what to make of you. At first I tried to think you as ridiculous as
the other idiots round the table, but I could not, try as I would.
Your ugly owlish face had made too great an impression on me. And
then I was annoyed by your reserve, and when I used to see you stalk
in, looking so haughty, and you bowed so coldly to me and remained
so distant, I thought to myself--just wait, monsieur the iceberg,
some day you will be at my feet begging for love, and then it will
be my turn to be proud, and I shall be triumphant.
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