The Torrents Of Spring

embarrassed by his presence – Gemma was unmistakably ashamed of
her betrothed! Towards the end of the drive she was positively wretched,
and though, as before, she did not address a word to Sanin, she suddenly
flung an imploring glance at him… . He, for his part, felt much more
sorry for her than indignant with Herr Klüber; he was even secretly, halfconsciously,
delighted at what had happened in the course of that day,
even though he had every reason to expect a challenge next morning.
This miserable partie de plaisir came to an end at last. As he helped
Gemma out of the carriage at the confectionery shop, Sanin without a
word put into her hand the rose he had recovered. She flushed crimson,
pressed his hand, and instantly hid the rose. He did not want to go into
the house, though the evening was only just beginning. She did not even
invite him. Moreover Pantaleone, who came out on the steps, announced
that Frau Lenore was asleep. Emil took a shy good-bye of Sanin; he felt
as it were in awe of him; he greatly admired him. Klüber saw Sanin to
his lodging, and took leave of him stiffly. The well-regulated German,
for all his self-confidence, felt awkward. And indeed every one felt
awkward.
But in Sanin this feeling of awkwardness soon passed off. It was replaced
by a vague, but pleasant, even triumphant feeling. He walked up
and down his room, whistling, and not caring to think about anything,
and was very well pleased with himself.
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