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V
When I awoke on the following morning in my own bed
in broad daylight, I was surprised to find that I had
regained complete mastery over myself. Every trace of
unhealthy sentimentality had disappeared ; the cult of the
Madonna had been forgotten in the excesses of the night.
I looked upon my fantastic love as a weakness of the spirit
or the flesh, which at the moment appeared to me to be
one and the same thing.
After I had had a cold bath and eaten some breakfast,
I returned to my daily duties, content that the whole
matter was at an end. I plunged into my work, and the
hours passed rapidly.
It was half-past twelve when the porter announced the
Baron.
"Is it possible? " I said to myself, "and I had been
under the impression that the incident was closed !
"
I prepared myself for a scene.
The Baron, radiant with mirth and happiness, squeezed
my hand affectionately. He had come to ask me to join
in another excursion by steamer, and see the amateur
theatricals at Sodertelje, a small watering-place.
I declined politely, pleading urgent business.
"My wife," he recommenced, "would be very pleased
if you could manage to come. . . , Moreover, Baby will
be one of the party. ..." Baby, the much-discussed
cousin. . . .
He went on urging me in a manner at once irresistible
and pathetic, looking at me with eyes so full of melancholy
47
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