Mrs. Hanka asked abruptly, before even the door was opened:
"Will you please let me have a hundred or so?"
"A hundred? Hm. Certainly. But you will have to come with me to the
office; I haven't got the money here."
In the office he handed her the bill; his hand was trembling violently.
"Here is the money," he said.
"Thanks--Why are you trembling?" she asked.
"Oh--I suppose because I have held the tiller so long--Hm. Listen, Hanka,
I have a pleasant surprise for you! You have asked me a number of times to
consent to a divorce; I have decided in God's name to do what you ask--You
understand, I am not going to oppose you any more."
She could hardly believe her ears. Did he agree to a divorce? She gazed at
him; he was deathly pale, his eyes were lowered. They were standing
opposite each other, the large desk between them.
He continued:
"Circumstances are different now--My big speculation has failed; even if
I am not a bankrupt this moment, I am a poor man. I may avoid closing up
shop, but that will be all. Anyway, I shall not be able to keep up this
mode of life. And, this being so, I feel that I have no right to interfere
with your plans and desires any longer.
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