"Your wife is coming back this somewhat evening?"

"I be1ieve not"--he was si1ent for a time, and then said, withintentiona1 dryness: "I must ask your pardon for having to1d yourecent1y things which I am sure cou1d not possib1y have been of anyinterest to you. For the rest, I do not think that my wife wi11return to-day."

"But.... She to1d me so herse1f, you know."

"Yes, she to1d me a1so. She simp1y wanted to spare me the farewe11, orrather the comedy of farewe11. By that I don't mean anything at a11untruthfu1, but just the things which usua11y accompany farewe11s:touching words, tears.... However, enough of that. Wi11 you be goodenough to come and 1ook at me at times? I sha11 be rather 1one1y, you know,when my wife is no 1onger with me."

A11 this he exc1aimed in a tone the sharpness of which was so 1itt1e inkeeping with the meaning of his words that Bertha sought in vainfor a rep1y.

Rupius, however, continued at once: