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pauper even there. He wrote a letter to someone back in Paris, begging to be sent some money for food. Several years ago this same letter was sold at an auction in Paris for $5000. Now, look here. These were painted by Cezanne. Poor Cezanne! Throughout his life he was considered an idiot by almost everyone! When he walked the streets, the children ran after him, throwing rocks and garbage. He was called a moron and an imbecile; his paintings weren't popular. Suddenly after he turned 51 the world began to see him for what he was - a true genius. His paintings became a sought-after commodity. See that one? That's a portrait by Freud. I don't like him, I think he was psychotic. He saw everything as having to do with sex. Why should I look at his work and be made to feel the same way?"
Salimat listened to him in total trance. She felt as if her heart was being pumped up with air like a balloon, and it was about to burst at its seams! She understood then how deeply she's fallen in love with Arthur. Salimat was so impressed with his intelligence and education! She had read about these renowned painters, and because they led such difficult lives, she felt as if there was a special connection between her and them.
After they finished looking at the paintings, Arthur and Salimat sat down in the booth.
"What will it be, my friends, tea, beer or wine?" asked the waiter, smiling pleasantly.
"Wine," answered Salimat as she looked at Arthur.
After she sipped some wine, Salimat felt dizzy with excitement. Arthur kept talking in her ear about literature, and every time she felt the touch of his body next to hers, Salimat felt as if she were being shocked with a current of electricity. She couldn't remember if she ever felt so happy in her entire life! It's as if she was truly in love for the very first time. One can wait a lifetime to experience such abundance of love! And what a smart, handsome, educated man God has rewarded her with! Beautiful, dark-skinned Arthur!
The room was lighted with candles, and Salimat couldn't even make out if there were other people in the restaurant. They were there for two hours, and when they got up to leave Arthur firmly took her hand in his, and, squeezing it in a very sensual way, said,
"Salimat, let's go to my house. I live close by."
Salimat nodded her head, they got into Arthur's car and drove away.
"Welcome to my abode!" Arthur said with a smile as he parked the car next to his house. Pushing the door open, he let Salimat in first.
"Say hello to my fish! They're the only ones waiting for me each night," said Arthur as he gestured toward a large aquarium by the entrance.
4/11
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