Mysteries - Knut Hamsun [147]
“That was four years ago.”
Nagel pauses. The doctor seems almost inclined to laugh, but he still says, as seriously as he can, “And since then you haven’t met her?”
“Oh yes, I saw her again today. That’s why I have a feeling of dread off and on. I was standing by the window of my room looking out, and there she was, coming straight toward me across the square, as though from the docks and the sea; she stopped beneath my windows and looked up. I wasn’t quite sure it was me she was looking at, so I moved over to the other window ; but she turned her eyes and looked at me there, too. I waved a greeting to her, but on seeing that she quickly turned and floated back across the square to the docks again. Jakobsen, the puppy, raised her hackles and streaked out of the hotel, barking furiously. That somehow got to me. I had almost forgotten her after all that time, and here she turns up again. Maybe she wanted to warn me about something.”
Then the doctor burst out laughing.
“Sure,” he said, “she wanted to warn you against coming to see us.”
“Well, this time she’s mistaken, of course, there’s nothing to be afraid of. But the last time there were those paddles, I would’ve been torn to pieces. So I’ve become a bit uneasy. Well, it doesn’t mean anything, does it? Heh-heh, what a pretty pass it would be to come to grief in that way. I have to laugh at the whole thing.”
“Just nerves and superstition!” the doctor said shortly.
But now the others began telling stories of their own, and the clock struck one hour after the other; it was getting on toward evening. Meanwhile Nagel remained silent; he was beginning to feel chilly. Finally he got up to go. He probably shouldn’t bother Dagny with that letter, he’d better not; perhaps he could see the doctor tomorrow and hand it to him then. His happy mood was completely gone.
To his great surprise Dagny also stood up as he was about to leave. She said, “You’re all telling such creepy stories that I’m scared stiff, too. I have to find my way home before it gets any darker.”
They left the garden together. Nagel became warm with joy: now he could give her the letter! He would never have a better opportunity.
“Did you want to talk to me about something?” the doctor called after him.
“No, not really,” he replied, slightly confused. “I just wanted to say hello and ... It’s been such a long time since we met. Goodbye!”
As they walked down the street they were both ill at ease, Dagny as well as he. All she could think to talk about was the weather. How mild it was this evening!
“Yes, windless and mild!”
He couldn’t find anything to say either, he simply kept looking at her. She had the same velvet eyes and the same blond braid down her back; all the feelings in his heart revived, her closeness intoxicated him and he passed his hand over his eyes. She grew lovelier and lovelier every time he saw her, every time! He forgot everything-forgot her disdain, her hiding Martha from him, and her tempting him so mercilessly with the handkerchief. He had to turn away to ward off another passionate outburst. No, he must hold up his head, he’d driven her to extremes twice before ; he was a man, after all! And he fairly held his breath, making himself hard.
They had reached Main Street; the hotel was on the right. She looked as if she wanted to say something. He tacitly went along with her. Perhaps he could walk her through the forest? Suddenly she looked at him and said, “Thanks for your story! Do you feel anxious now? You shouldn’t!”1
Yes, she was kind and gentle today; he would bring up the letter right away.
“I would like to ask you a favor,” he said. “But I hardly dare-I don’t suppose you would do me any favors now?”
“Oh yes, I would be glad to,” she replied.
She would be glad to, she said! He dipped his hand in his pocket to get the letter.
“I would like you to deliver this letter. It’s only a message, something I—. It’s of no importance, but—. It’s for Miss Gude. Maybe you know where Miss Gude is? She has