"I love this world," said the Doctor. "I cling to life tooth and nail.
And when I come to die, then I hope to find a corner somewhere straight
up over London and Paris, where I can hear the rumble of the human
cancan all the time, all the time."
"Splendid!" I cried, and choked with laughter, though I was not in the
least bit drunk.
Edwarda too seemed delighted.
When the guests began to go, I slipped away into the little room at the
side and sat down to wait. I heard one after another saying good-bye on
the stairs; the Doctor also took his leave and went. Soon all the voices
had died away. My heart beat violently as I waited.
Edwarda came in again. At sight of me she stood a moment in surprise;
then she said with a smile:
"Oh, are you there? It was kind of you to wait till the last. I am tired
out now."
She remained standing.
I got up then, and said: "You will be wanting rest now. I hope you are
not displeased any more, Edwarda. You were so unhappy a while back, and
it hurt me."
"It will be all right when I have slept."
I had no more to add. I went towards the door.
"Thank you," she said, offering her hand. "It was a pleasant evening."
She would have seen me to the door, but I tried to prevent her.
"No need," I said; "do not trouble, I can find my way.
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