As far as the district capital you will be my companion and
friend, but from the moment that we enter the railway-coach you are
my slave, my servant. Now close the window, and open the door."
After I had done as she had demanded, and after she had entered, she
asked, contracting her brows ironically, "well, how do you like me."
"Wanda, you--"
"Who gave you permission?" She gave me a blow with the whip.
"You are very beautiful, mistress."
Wanda smiled and sat down in the arm-chair. "Kneel down--here beside
my chair."
I obeyed.
"Kiss my hand."
I seized her small cold hand and kissed it.
"And the mouth--"
In a surge of passion I threw my arms around the beautiful cruel
woman, and covered her face, arms, and breast with glowing kisses.
She returned them with equal fervor--the eyelids closed as in a
dream. It was after midnight when she left.
* * * * *
At nine o'clock sharp in the morning everything was ready for
departure, as she had ordered. We left the little Carpathian health-
resort in a comfortable light carriage. The most interesting drama
of my life had reached a point of development whose denouement it was
then impossible to foretell.
So far everything went well. I sat beside Wanda, and she chatted
very graciously and intelligently with me, as with a good friend,
concerning Italy, Pisemski's new novel, and Wagner's music.
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