Mrs. Jagemann opened the door to us in rather an alarmed manner. She drew Minna aside in the dark passage and whispered something to her, and as I closed the door of the sitting-room I heard Minna say—
"Yes, yes, we have met him ourselves."
"Oh dear me!" the mother sighed in her stupid way.
This did not improve my temper. I continued to walk up and down, and without knowing it myself I shook my fist at Stephensen's alter ego on the sea picture. I caught myself in this act as the door opened, and I quickly dropped the hand and put it in my pocket.
Minna threw herself wearily upon the little sofa.
"What does he want from me?" she exclaimed in a worried tone.
"You? But he has come in order to paint."
She shook her head.
"He wishes to take possession of me again, that's what he wants."
"What a funny fancy! How can you believe that?"
"You have thought the same yourself," she said, and looked at me inquiringly.
"Perhaps for a moment. Queer ideas come to one under such extraordinary circumstances. However, there is no reason to"
"Did you notice the way he said to me, 'Wherever
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