She began hastily to repair with pins before the mirror a rent in her dress, but suddenly stopped, alarmed at seeing some one in the half-darkness lying on the bed.
I recognised Susanna, and, as it seemed to me, something told her that it must be I who lay there, for she approached as if to see, and whispered my name.
She probably thought I was asleep, as no answer came, and that it was neither right nor the time to wake me.

She stood by me for a moment as if considering, then bent over me till I felt her warm breath, gently kissed my forehead, and went out.
* * * * * A Christmas visit in northern districts generally lasts a couple of days, often more.

But, as my father and the Martinezes had so much to do and our house was not very far, we were to go home as early as the next evening, while most of the others were to wait until the following day.
The minister's family, however, were to remain as guests, together with the "notabilities," to the end of the week.

In the meantime, as, early the next day, the minister and his wife were going to call on a family in the neighbourhood, Susanna had to stay at the magistrate's house.
I, like the other guests, had not risen until far on in the morning, but in my brain during all the time Dr.K.'s words about my position being like that of a leper had throbbed as a boil, growing harder and more painful with my changing ideas on the subject, until all at once their meaning stood clear with its whole sting before me.
I loved Susanna a thousand times more than myself, and should I selfishly wish to unite her fate to a man who was insane, only because that man was myself?
And perhaps my mental condition would grow worse as time went on.
I began to feel within me a pious courage for self-sacrifice, and with it came calm, soothing peacefulness.

When all was said and done, it was really the best thing I could think of, to give my life for Susanna, and this thought at last inspired me with an almost fanatical wish to do so.
My mind was made up; and my plan was the simple one of speaking out decidedly and clearly to her; for I would not for all the world deceive her in any way.
It was in the afternoon, in the twilight, while the others were out for a walk, that I found an opportunity of talking to her alone.
That day Susanna had on a black silk dress which fitted her to perfection, a lace collar and narrow sleeves with cuffs at the wrists.
Her hair was fastened with a silver arrow as at the ball, but it was her only ornament.
She sat thoughtfully listening to me in front of the newly-lighted stove where we had placed ourselves.