Page:Buddenbrooks vol 1 - Mann (IA buddenbrooks0001mann).pdf/182

RV 170 (BUDDENBROOKS) “God knows, Anna, what will happen. One isn’t young for ever&mdash;you are a sensible girl, you have never said anything about marriage and that sort of thing&mdash;”

“God forbid&mdash;that I should ask such a thing of you!”

“One is carried along&mdash;you see. If I live, I shall take over the business, and make a good match&mdash;you see, I am open with you at parting, Anna. I wish you every happiness, darling, darling little Anna. But don’t throw yourself away, do you hear? For you haven’t done that&mdash;with me&mdash;I swear it.”

It was warm in the shop. A moist scent of earth and flowers was in the air. Outside, the winter sun was hurrying to its repose, and a pure delicate sunset, like one painted on porcelain, beautified the sky across the river. People hurried past the window, their chins tucked into their turned-up collars; no one gave a glance into the corner of the little flower-shop, at the two who stood there saying their last farewells.

RV 170 (170)