late! No, we ought to remain, happen what would. And still there was an inner voice, which continually whispered: "Go away! Surely she will still go."
Then came the programme for the day. The great question was, should I go to her at the first possible moment?
My longing and fear urged me on, but my better judgment said: "Why disturb her at such an early hour? I shall alarm and trouble her, and she requires all her calmness and clearness. Besides, it shows that I myself am out of gear; it makes me appear nervous, perhaps even distrustful! Very likely if I stay away there is a probability of his speaking with her alone; that I cannot, anyhow, prevent, so just as well now as later.… Yes, they must speak together, curse it, I cannot possibly propose for him. Well, either I have to run away with her, or leave off playing Argus."
I decided to go as usual to the Polytechnic, and to put off seeing Minna until after dinner.