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He stood with his back to me He had been about to close the inner doors of the apartment, which had been open before and therefore were not broken But he stopped He turned A playful expression came over him

"Oh, what a vile teelic countenance," he said mildly

"If I'e of the bed, "paint s "

"You dare knock down my door " He folded his arms "Need I tell you why I will not tolerate such from you, or from anyone?"

He stood gazing at me with raised eyebrows

"You torture me," I said

"Oh, indeed, how and since when?"

I wanted to bawl I wanted to say, "I love only you "

Instead I said, "I detest you "

He couldn't help but laugh He lowered his head, his fingers curled under his chin, as he stared at me

Then he extended his hand and snapped his fingers

I heard a rustling from the rooms beyond I sat up petrified with amazement

I saw the long switch of the teacher co the floor as if a wind had sent it hither, and then it twisted and turned and rose and dropped into his waiting hand

Behind him, the inner doors slammed shut and the bolt slipped into place with a loud metallic clatter

I drew back in the bed