The invitation was couched in such icy tones and Maria's absence was so strongly implied therein that I was compelled to decline it politely. The devil take this man! I was not at all in a merry mood that morning. I fervently wished to weep upon his breast while he mercilessly threw cold showers upon my noblest transports. I sighed and changed my pose. I assumed a pose prepared especially for Maria. Speaking in a low voice, I said:
"I want to be frank with you, Signor Magnus. My past...contains many dark pages, which I should like to redeem. I...."
"There are dark pages in everybody's past, Mr. Wondergood. I myself am not so clear of reproach as to accept the confession of such a worthy gentleman."
"I am a poor spiritual father," he added with a most unpleasant laugh: "_I never pardon sinners_ and, in view of that, what pleasure could there be for you in your confession. Better tell me something more about your nephew. Is he young?"
We spoke about my nephew--and Magnus smiled. A pause ensued. Then Magnus asked whether I had visited the Vatican gallery and I bade him good-by, requesting him to transmit my compliments to Maria. I confess I was a sorry sight and felt deeply indebted to Magnus when he said in bidding me farewell:
"Do not be angry with me, Mr. Wondergood. I am not altogether well to-day and...am rather worried about my affairs. That's all. I hope to be more pleasant when we meet again, but be so kind as to excuse me this morning. I shall see that Maria gets your compliments."
If this blackbearded fellow were only _playing_, I confess I would have found a worthy partner.
A dozen pickaninnies could not have licked off the honeyed expression my face assumed at Magnus' promise to transmit my greetings to Maria. All the way back to my hotel I smiled idiotically at the coachman's back and afterwards bestowed a kiss on Toppi's brow--the canaile still maintains an odor of fur, like a young devil.
"I see there was profit in your visit," said Toppi significantly. "How is Magnus'...daughter? You understand?"
"Splendid, Toppi, splendid! She said that my beauty and wisdom reminded her of Solomon's!"
Toppi smiled condescendingly at my unsuccessful jest. The honeyed expression left my face and rust and vinegar took the place of the sugar. I locked myself in my room and for a long time continued to curse Satan for falling in love with a woman.