73
"Whenever they spoke of women—and they did so every day—I smiled knowingly, so that they soon came to the conclusion that 'still waters run deep.'"
"And you knew absolutely nothing?"
"I only knew that there was something about putting it in and pulling it out.
"At fifteen, I was one day in our garden, strolling listlessly about in a little meadow by the roadside at the back of the house.
"I was walking on the mossy grass, as soft as a velvety carpet, so that my footsteps were not heard. All at once I stopped by an old disused kennel, which often served me as a seat.
"When I got there I heard a voice within it. I bent down my ear, and listened without moving. Thereupon I heard a young girl's voice say,—
"'Put it in and then pull it out; then put it in again, and pull it out; and so on for some time.'
"'But I can't put it in,' was the reply.
"'Now,' said the first. 'I open my hole widely with both my hands. Push it in; stick it in—more—much more—as much as you can.'
