conceited—even very conceited. But do you know why? Because I have got you, it is you who have taught me to act my part well.'
'Then it is really I who ought to be conceited.'
'I am hoping that I shall make you feel so tomorrow night, or at any rate a little bit pleased.'
Of course I am going to the theatre to-morrow. Unfortunately 1 am going with Emmy, whose chatter is sure to ruin half my pleasure. But there is no other way. I did not dare to accept a ticket from him, so I got Emmy to invite me as a birthday present in advance.
TO-NIGHT so many different impressions passed through my mind, that I find it difficult to describe them.
I must start with the beginning. On the way to the theatre Emmy entertained me with stories about him and Mrs. Paula Hansen. Had I not heard that they are in love with each other? Everybody (Emma always speaks for everybody) talks about it.
I had made up my mind not to be influenced by Emmy's gossip. Just as Catholics, to keep evil thoughts away, say their rosaries, I continued to think of his face when he looks lovingly at me, and repeated to myself his dearest words. Yet I did not altogether escape the tempter. While Emmy dropped her poisonous words into my ears, doubt and despair triumphantly raised their heads in my
