'It is really true,' she said to herself again.
She knew quite well she had believed it all along. She knew it
implicitly. But she must keep it dark--almost from herself. She must
keep it completely secret. It was knowledge for her alone, and scarcely
even to be admitted to herself.
The deep resolve formed in her, to combat him. One of them must triumph
over the other. Which should it be? Her soul steeled itself with
strength. Almost she laughed within herself, at her confidence. It woke
a certain keen, half contemptuous pity, tenderness for him: she was so
ruthless.
Everybody retired early. The Professor and Loerke went into a small
lounge to drink. They both watched Gudrun go along the landing by the
railing upstairs.
'Ein schones Frauenzimmer,' said the Professor.
'Ja!' asserted Loerke, shortly.
Gerald walked with his queer, long wolf-steps across the bedroom to the
window, stooped and looked out, then rose again, and turned to Gudrun,
his eyes sharp with an abstract smile.
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