Page:Karel Čapek - The Absolute at Large (1927).djvu/95

 I'll set aside three millions myself for purposes of research into protective measures against God. Better say two millions to start with. All the Czechs will go about wearing their masks, while all the rest—ha! ha!—will be getting drowned in the Absolute. At any rate their industries will go under."

Mr. Bondy began to look upon the world less darkly. "There's a young woman going by. Nice springy walk. I wonder what she looks like from the front." Mr. Bondy quickened his step, passed her, suddenly stepped respectfully to one side, then seemed to change his mind again, and turned on his heel so abruptly that he almost ran right into her.

"You, Ellen," he said hastily. "I had no idea, that—that"

"I knew that you were following me," said the girl standing still with downcast eyes.

"You knew it?" said Bondy, greatly pleased. "I was just thinking about you."

"I could feel your bestial desires," said Ellen quietly.

"My what?"

"Your bestial desires. You did not recognize me. You only appraised me with your eyes as if I were for sale."

G. H. Bondy frowned. "Ellen, why do you wish to hurt my feelings?"

Ellen shook her head. "They all do it. They're