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 liked. To a place where we could sit in peace together and drink a glass of champagne.'

'Then you really imagined that I was a lady of that sort?'

'What sort? I assure you all sorts of ladies like drinking champagne.'

'Yes, but not with you.'

'Do you really mean that? Seriously, do you think it would be so terrible if we two spent an amusing evening together?0'

'No, perhaps not, if you would behave just as nicely as you are doing now.'

'I will behave just as you wish, you may be sure of that. Will you come then and dine with me on Thursday? I am free that evening.'

In short, it ended with my almost promising to meet him on Thursday at seven o'clock in the King's Square. He talked me into such a trusting state of mind, that it all seemed the most natural thing in the world. But how it will look to me in the morning, how I shall square my conscience, and how I shall manage to get away from home I don't know.

Well, sufficient unto the day. In the worst, or rather the best, case, I can stay away.

Then on Thursday evening Mr. Mörch can wait at the meeting-place and look at the stars. Besides, what pleasure could it really be for him to meet me.

He said I was lovely! What a fib!