— Susanna.

— Yes.

— I need you.

She more or less heard him. Her head was thrown back like that of a woman longing for God.

— I shouldn’t have drunk so much, she murmured.

He began to unbutton her blouse.

— No, she said, trying to rebutton it.

He was unfastening her brassiere. Her gorgeous breasts emerged. He could not take his eyes from them. He kissed them passionately. She felt herself moved to the side as he pulled down the cover of the white sheets. She tried to speak again, but he put his hand over her mouth and pushed her down. He devoured her, shuddering as if in fright at the end and holding her to him tightly. They fell into a profound sleep.