Jaffe's face was pale all at once.
"Old witch," said he. "Twenty years now I've been meaning to get rid of her.
But she's too good." Then he turned to me. "Well?"
"We go to-night," said I.
"To-night?"
"Yes.
If it has to be, then to-day is better than to-morrow.
I'll take her.
I can get away for a few days."
He nodded and shook hands.
I went.
The way to the door seemed very far.
Outside I stopped and stood. I noticed I had the letters still in my hand.
The rain was beating on the paper.
I wiped the letters and put them in my breast pocket.
Then I looked around.
An omnibus pulled up just in front of the house.
It was chock-full and a swarm of people crowded out.
Some girls in black shining mackintoshes were laughing with the guard.
He was young and the white teeth flashed in his tanned face.
It can't be, thought I, that can't all be.
So much life, and Pat must go!
Ringing, the bus drove off.
Its wheels spurted a swathe of water over the footpath.
I walked on to tell Koster and to get the tickets.
At noon I came home. I had fixed everything and already wired the sanatorium.
"Pat," said I, still in the doorway, "can you have everything packed by this evening?"
"Must I go?" ,
"Yes," said I. "Yes, Pat."
"By myself?"
"No.
We're going together.
I'm taking you."
Her face regained colour.
"When must I be ready then?" she asked.
"The train leaves to-night at ten."
"And are you going out again now?"
"No.
I'm staying here till we leave."
She took a deep breath.
"Then it's quite simple, Robby," said she. "Should we begin at once?"
"We've time still."
"I'd rather begin at once.
Then it will be done."
"Right."
I quickly stowed in the few things I wanted to take with me and was finished in half an hour.
Then I went across to Frau Zalewski and told her we were leaving in the evening.
I paid her for the room up to the first of November, unless she were able to let it earlier.
She wanted to start a long discussion, but I went back again quickly.
Pat was kneeling in front of her wardrobe trunk. Around it hung her dresses, on the bed lay linen, and she was now packing in her shoes.