Page:Karl Gjellerup - Minna, A novel - 1913.djvu/216



opened the door to us in rather an alarmed manner. She drew Minna aside in the dark passage and whispered something to her, and as I closed the door of the sitting-room I heard Minna say—

"Yes, yes, we have met him ourselves."

"Oh dear me!" the mother sighed in her stupid way.

This did not improve my temper. I continued to walk up and down, and without knowing it myself I shook my fist at Stephensen's alter ego on the sea picture. I caught myself in this act as the door opened, and I quickly dropped the hand and put it in my pocket.

Minna threw herself wearily upon the little sofa.

"What does he want from me?" she exclaimed in a worried tone.

"You? But he has come in order to paint."

She shook her head.

"He wishes to take possession of me again, that's what he wants."

"What a funny fancy! How can you believe that?"

"You have thought the same yourself," she said, and looked at me inquiringly.

"Perhaps for a moment. Queer ideas come to one under such extraordinary circumstances. However, there is no reason to"

"Did you notice the way he said to me, 'Wherever 208