betrothed! Towards the end of the drive she was positively wretched,
and though, as before, she did not address a word to Sanin, she
suddenly flung an imploring glance at him.... He, for his part, felt
much more sorry for her than indignant with Herr Klueber; he was even
secretly, half-consciously, delighted at what had happened in the
course of that day, even though he had every reason to expect a
challenge next morning.

This miserable _partie de plaisir_ came to an end at last. As he
helped Gemma out of the carriage at the confectionery shop, Sanin
without a word put into her hand the rose he had recovered. She
flushed crimson, pressed his hand, and instantly hid the rose. He
did not want to go into the house, though the evening was only just
beginning. She did not even invite him. Moreover Pantaleone, who came
out on the steps, announced that Frau Lenore was asleep. Emil took a
shy good-bye of Sanin; he felt as it were in awe of him; he greatly
admired him. Klueber saw Sanin to his lodging, and took leave of him
stiffly. The well-regulated German, for all his self-confidence, felt
awkward. And indeed every one felt awkward.

But in Sanin this feeling of awkwardness soon passed off. It was
replaced by a vague, but pleasant, even triumphant feeling. He walked
up and down his room, whistling, and not caring to think about
anything, and was very well pleased with himself.




XVII