Erich Maria Remarque Fullscreen Three comrades (1936)

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"You ought to sleep a bit," said I. "And you?"

"I'll go home and sleep too a bit.

Then in two hours I'll fetch you for supper."

"You are tired?" she asked doubtfully. "Yes, a little.

It was hot in the train.

And afterwards I must go for a while to the shop."

She asked no more questions.

She was very tired and just sank down.

I put her to bed and covered her well.

She fell asleep immediately.

I put the roses near her and Koster's card alongside, that she should have something to think about when she waked.

Then I left.

On the way I stopped at a telephone box.

I decided to 'phone Jaffe at once.

At home it would be too difficult, the entire pension would be listening in.

I took up the receiver and gave the number of the clinic.

After a time Jaffe came to the instrument.

"Lohkamp speaking," said I, clearing my throat. "We returned to-day.

We have been back an hour."

"Did you come by car?" asked Jaffe.

"No, by train."

"So, and how is it?"

"All right," said I.

He considered a moment.

"I want to examine Fraulein Hollmann to-morrow.

At eleven, say.

Would you tell her?"

"No," said I. "I don't want her to know I have 'phoned you.

She is sure to ring you herself to-morrow.

Perhaps you would tell her then."

"Very well.

Let it stand at that.

I will tell her."

Mechanically I shoved aside the fat, greasy telephone book.

It lay on a little wooden pulpit.

Telephone numbers were scribbled over the walls in pencil.

"Then can I come and see you in the afternoon?" I asked.

Jaffe did not answer.

"I'd like to know how things are with her," said I.

"I won't be able to tell you that to-morrow," Jaffe replied. "I shall have to observe her for at least a week.

But I will let you know how "things stand then."

"Thanks." I stared at the pulpit in front of me.

Someone had drawn something there. A fat girl with a big straw hat.

Ella is a goat was written below.

"Must she do anything special in the meantime?" I asked.

"I'll see that to-morrow.

But I fancy she is quite well looked after in her place."

"I don't know.

I hear that the people want to go away next week.

Then she will be alone, except for the maid."