TOBY-DOG
Is that why you stayed away from this room--her room--for three whole
days?
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_hesitating_)
Yes ... and for another reason too.
TOBY-DOG
What reason?
KIKI-THE-DEMURE
Because of the fever.
TOBY-DOG, (_carried away by his love_)
Her fever smells better than other peoples' good health!
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_shrugging his shoulders_)
And they talk of a dog's scent! Truly the convictions of Two-Paws are
based upon childish fables. You know of course that fever--
TOBY-DOG, (_in a low tone_)
Makes one afraid, yes.
KIKI-THE-DEMURE, (_in a low tone_)
Makes one afraid, gives one cold shivers down one's back, distaste for
everything and uneasiness all over. One hesitates on the threshold of a
room where there is fever, searching fearfully some hidden thing.... She
was in bed and burning hot. I looked at her a long time, ready to run,
saying to myself: "Who can be with her there--behind the curtains--who
is it stifles and torments her and makes her moan in her sleep?"
TOBY-DOG, (_frightened retrospectively_)
There wasn't anyone, was there?
KIKI-THE-DEMURE
No one but He--and the fever.
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