Impelled by the waltz and in high spirits from the punch, Sophie told Hans about Rudi’s most recent letter. After putting up some resistance, Rudi had accepted postponing the wedding, and even seemed persuaded the new date was more appropriate for such a momentous event. Aside from that, reassured by the eloquence with which Sophie had striven to imbue her letters, he declared himself to be as much in love with her as ever and proud of his fiancée’s organisational skills, which ensured the success of the ceremony. This was all true, but it wasn’t the whole truth — Rudi had been sensitive of late, alternating between a tone of injured pride and one of emotional entreaty. For a few days he had stopped sending her gifts through the post, but when he saw that Sophie made no mention of it, he had regretted his retaliatory act and had redoubled his stream of offerings. She knew Rudi well and could imagine how much pain he was in. And for this reason, in the same way that she regretted being unable to reveal to Rudi her true state of mind, she also lamented being unable to tell Hans how much Rudi was suffering — each man was a moral intruder in the other’s eyes.
No, Hans, my love, I am not as generous as you think nor do I give myself to you freely — whatever you take from me you have already given me, and when I return to you it is because everything has the power to flow back and forth between us, like an echo. When I think of you, when I give myself to you, I feel I am going to meet myself, and this makes me stronger and more serene. Serenity also comes from being able to give back exactly what you receive. What a selfish kind of generosity!
Good night, my happiness. Touch one of your toes and pretend it was my playful hand. Your
S
Sophie, my delicious Sophie, what a wonderful idea — whatever you take from me you have already given to me. I have been reflecting about it all day, and I think your idea, which, like all true ideas, is more of an experience, elevates our love to a higher plane — that of individualism in its truest sense. Lovers in the classical tradition promise they will always remain the same, but with you I have learnt to change my plans for the good. I am not talking about freeing the one you love out of self-righteous altruism. This is about the certainty that your breadth is my horizon.
After each brief parting, after that tranquil repossession of ourselves separately, I feel ready to embark upon a sweeter conquest of ourselves together.
With you, love from
H
The smoke from the tables formed a halo round Álvaro’s hat, crept round its brim like a ghost along a cornice, then, rising up its crown, finally disappeared with a shimmer among the oil lamps. Café Europa had filled up suddenly, as though the customers had been waiting for a signal to storm the doors. Álvaro had been over some of the company budgets, had ordered a cup of hot chocolate and was presently leafing through an out-of-date copy of the Daily Clarion. Hans was on his sixth coffee of the day, and was absent-mindedly contemplating the vagaries of the smoke. Álvaro had just said goodbye to Elsa and Hans had arrived fresh from his tryst with Sophie. Neither of them had ever mentioned these parallel encounters, not out of mistrust but out of discretion. Whatever became of his affair with Elsa, Álvaro reflected, it would have few repercussions. The situation with Sophie was different, much more delicate. And he wasn’t sure which was more helpful to Hans — continuing to hold his tongue or speaking up once and for all.
Have you seen this? Álvaro said, deciding to dissemble, and picking up another newspaper. Have you seen the Manchester Guardian? He opened it and spread out a double page that overlapped the table. Hans leant forward and read the caption — in Frankfurt they had just celebrated the anniversary of Metternich’s naming as chancellor. King Francis of Austria, King Frederick William of Prussia, Tsar Nicolas, King George of England and King Charles of Spain had all attended. Hans shrugged. Have you seen these speeches? Álvaro went on. Listen to this: “His Imperial Majesty”—referring to King Francis—“emphasised his continuing achievements”—he means Metternich—“a result of his unstinting zeal”—zeal! They can say that again—“his political astuteness and the courage with which he has devoted himself to safeguarding the established order”—it’s nothing if not accurate! — “and the triumph of law over the chaos wrought by those who aim to disturb the peace both within and beyond our borders”. Well, it goes on like that, and then: “His Majesty Frederick William III of Prussia praised Metternich’s career, extolled the Assembly’s work, and warned of the need to increase the room for manoeuvre of the German states”—what a nerve! And then, listen: “At all times in a spirit of friendship and cooperation”—how touching! “His Majesty King George IV underlined the importance of the Quadruple Alliance, which strengthens the economic and trade agreements between the states regardless of religious differences”. Ah, they’re so English, the English! But there’s more, listen to what … Sorry, interrupted Hans, may I? Álvaro handed over the newspaper, raising his arms in a gesture of innocence. Hans read in silence:
Finally Prince Metternich took the floor, ending his speech to the applause of the Parliament: “The word freedom has no value as a point of departure, but rather as an end worth fighting for. It is the word ‘order’ that designates the point of departure. Admirers of today’s press wish to dignify it with the title of representative of public opinion, although it merely publishes the views of its journalists. Do these same demagogues even recognise the aforesaid function, that of representing public opinion, in the consensual declarations of our governments? Public opinion is a powerful force in every sense. Like religion, it penetrates where administrative measures cannot. Underestimating the power of the press would be as perilous as underestimating the value of moral principles. Posterity would never understand if we responded with silence to our opponents’ protests. The fall of empires depends on the spread of unbelief. That is why religious belief continues to be not only the highest virtue, but the greatest of powers. And therefore a decline in religion would also bring about a decline in the power of our nations.
Hans sighed.
By the way, Álvaro continued to dissemble, how is the organ grinder? Last night I had supper with him, said Hans, he’s the same as always, he sings to himself and sleeps like a baby. Sometimes he coughs. I succeeded in buying him a new shirt and threatened to give him a bath. What did he say to that? asked Álvaro. He thinks cleanliness is overrated, replied Hans, that it depends on guilt and he is at peace with his conscience. Hans and Álvaro both laughed, but then suddenly Hans went quiet. Álvaro asked him how the translations were going and he said they were going well, he mentioned three or four poets and fell silent quiet again. Then Álvaro thought Hans might be anticipating another question and he resolved to bring up the subject. He was poised to open his mouth when there was a collision of billiard balls, followed by victorious cheers.