like that. Well, I know what is the cause of it all. If I
wanted to talk—good lord I You see, I am very friendly

with the Professor's cook------"

"Oh? So something's up at home? The mistress, eh?
A beautiful kdy, but a bit flighty, what ? Well, Kranzle ? "
" It's not to be wondered at, Doctor. You see, chem-
istry is a decent occupation. A person forms a decent
character from chemistry. But to go travelling about
with a violin giving concerts—no good ever came of
that And now she's carrying on with a nigger. That's
too much of a good thing. Frau Geheimrat won't have
anything more to do with her, that's certain—and the
other ladies will soon have had enough of it."

This conversation ebbed and flowed past Fraulein
Willfuer's ears. The day was hot, a heavy, damp heat,
and, in addition, the Bunsen burner was alight. Steam
was painting arabesques on the beakers. In a tube the
red was rising. Water gurgling from the taps seemed to
say something dreadful, endlessly, endlessly, endlessly.
Fraulein Willfuer's knees felt heavy and tired. Her head
was confused with the everlasting vapours. She felt
oppressed, weighed down, stifled. She took a pipette
from the stand and took a few steps across the damp tiles
—thinking, I will get myself a stool—suddenly every-
thing started to revolve about her. The walls came rush-
ing from all sides and toppled over her. There were
glasses and yet more glasses. An explosion ? she thought,
heard something clinking—and then it was like being at
the bottom of the sea. Fantastic shapes floated behind

green veils------

" The cook says that that Dr. Kolding comes secretly,",
" Good God 1 What's the matter over there, Kranzle ? "
Fraulein Willfuer ky flat on the floor. The pipette
was broken* A little blood oosed from a small cut on
her band. Her lips wete white, hex eyes closed.

94