Chapter 13 best of men

I dared not disturb her for the rest of the day.I sat on the terrace at night, and her playful little head with red hair emerged from her balcony of green vines. "Why don't you come over?" she called out to me impatiently. I ran downstairs quickly, losing my nerve again, and knocked lightly on the door.She didn't answer, "Come in," instead, she opened the door and stood in the doorway. "Where are my slippers?" "It's—I'm holding—I think—" I stammered. "Give it to me, and then we'll go drink tea and chat." When I brought back the slippers, she was busy opening the teapot.I placed my slippers solemnly on the table and stood in the corner like a child awaiting punishment.

I noticed a slight wrinkle on her forehead, and something harsh, domineering about her lips—it fascinated me. Suddenly she laughed. "So—you really love—me?" "Yes, I'm suffering more than you can imagine." "Are you in pain?" She laughed again. I was angry, embarrassed, and hurt, but to no avail. "Why?" she continued. "I like you, I like you very much." She handed me her hand, looked at me with a smile, and her attitude was extremely friendly. "Will you be my wife?" Wanda glanced at me—yes, what kind of eyes?The look, I believe, was mainly shock and mockery.

"Why did you suddenly find the courage to say this?" she said. "courage?" "Yes, your courage to find a wife, especially the courage to find me as your wife?" She picked up the slippers. "Did you decide on your wife so quickly?" she said, transcribing the guilt-phobic husband in our German expression: "Slipper hero." "Just kidding: do you really want to marry me?" "yes." "So, Savunin, this is a serious matter. I believe that you love me and I love you. More importantly, we appreciate each other. We are not bored with each other yet. But you know, I A frivolous woman, that's why I take marriage so seriously; if I assume responsibilities, I hope I can keep them. But I'm afraid—no—I'm sure you'll be hurt."

"I beg you, be honest with me," I said. "Yes, to be honest: I don't believe I can love a man more than..." She tilted her head, thinking. "One year," I said. "You're kidding! Maybe a month." "It's the same for me?" "Oh, you—probably two months." "Two months!" I screamed. "Two months—a long time." "Ma'am, this is not in ancient times." "What do you think? Look at you, you just can't face the facts." Wanda walked across the room, leaning against the fireplace, gazing at me, her arms resting on the mantelpiece.

"What should I do with you?" "As you please," I replied, submissively, "as long as it pleases you." "Too contradictory!" she exclaimed. "At first you wanted me to be your wife, but now you want to be my toy." "Wanda—I love you." "So we are back to square one. You love me and want me to be your wife. But I don't want to remarry because I doubt our relationship will last." "How about I try my luck?" I said again. "It's up to me to give you a chance," she muttered. "I imagined that I belonged to such a man, he should be the best among men, he can gain my respect, he has the ability to conquer me, what kind of person he is-do you understand? I know every As long as a man is in love, he becomes weak, submissive, stupid. He will put his destiny in the hands of a woman and bow down before her—but I only love the kind of man who makes me bow down before him. Since I like you day by day, I am willing to try to date you."

I jumped at her feet. "God! You're at my feet," she taunted me. "That's a good start." When I stood up, she continued, "I'll give you a year to win me Convince me that we are suitable for each other and can live together. If you win, Savunen, I will be your wife - a good wife who will do her duty. This year we will live as husband and wife together-" Blood rushed to my head. Her eyes seemed to be burning. "We live together," she went on, "sharing our habits and seeing if we can find ourselves in each other. I grant you all the rights to be a husband, an admirer, a friend! Are you satisfied with that? "

"I guess I must be satisfied." "You don't have to push yourself." "Then I hope—" "Very well. That's what a man should say. Take my hand."