The magic
draught which had intoxicated him then now seemed but an insidious
poison.
Yet, in spite of it all, certain points perplexed him, as if in
penetrating Elena's soul he had penetrated his own, and in the woman's
perfidy had seen a reflection of his own. There was much affinity
between their two natures. Therefore he _understood_, and little by
little, his contempt changed to ironical indulgence. He was so
thoroughly conversant with his own mode of procedure.
Then with cold lucidity, he mapped out his plan of campaign. He reviewed
every detail of the interview that had taken place on New Year's
Eve--more than a week ago--and it pleased him to re-construct the scene,
but without the slightest indignation or excitement, only smiling
cynically both at Elena and himself. Why had she come?--Simply because
this impromptu _tete-a-tete_ with a former lover, in the well-known
place, after a lapse of two years, had tempted a spirit always on the
look-out for fresh emotions, had inflamed her imagination and her
curiosity. She thirsted to see into what new situations, new intrigues
the dangerous game would lead her. She was perhaps attracted by the
novelty of a platonic affection with a person who had already been the
object of her sensual passion. As ever, she had thrown herself into the
new part with a certain imaginative fervour.
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