Freddy said in a slightly plaintive tone: ‘It took you a long time. But never mind. I haven’t got anything else to do.’

Gurdweill now had to go to Dr Astel to borrow money. But since there was no chance of finding him at home before six, there was no reason to hurry, and they approached the Ring at a leisurely stroll. After taking a few steps in silence, Freddy suddenly said: ‘Actually, what do you want a baby for?’

Gurdweill stopped short and gazed at him in astonishment, as if he had gone out of his mind.

Freddy explained, ‘What I mean to say is — how can a person feel love for such an insignificant little thing? It’s neither flesh nor spirit; it’s nothing at all! … A matter for foolish women. And to think that people devote their lives to it, even before it comes into the world — it’s incomprehensible!’

‘It seems to me that you’re not quite sane. You can’t understand the simplest, most natural things.’

Freddy took two cigarettes from the upper pocket of his jacket, one for himself and one for Gurdweill, lit them, and continued as he walked: ‘It’s got nothing to do with nature. As far as men are concerned, nothing could be more unnatural … What I say is: women, I can understand. It’s their job. But men! Where does this love come from? I’m not at all sure that it’s not an affectation pure and simple. What can one possibly feel for such a little nothing? As for me, I can’t say I’m too fond of the little creatures myself.’

‘Don’t worry, you’ll feel differently one day. When you reach middle age.’

‘No, I don’t think so,’ replied Freddy calmly, with his peculiar smile. ‘By the way, I don’t intend on getting married either. What for? There are plenty of women around without getting married. And in any case, after half an hour I’ve had enough of them. Let’s go and have a beer. I’ve got a few groschen left … After that they bore me to death. And if you say, “What about love?”, I say, “Fiddlesticks! There’s no such thing!” Why fall in love with this one rather than that one? No, you can count me out! It makes no difference to me — they’re all the same!’

They were passing a little tavern and Freddy dragged Gurdweill in. They sat down at a wooden table, and a waiter brought them two tankards of cold beer covered with snow-white foam.

‘Thank God for beer,’ said Freddy after slaking his thirst. ‘Where would we be without it?’