And I will change the future of Nikolaus." I was glad, this time, and said, "I don't need to ask about his case; you will be sure to do generously by him." "It is my intention." Straight off I was building that great future of Nicky's in my imagination, and had already made a renowned general of him and hofmeister at the court, when I noticed that Satan was waiting for me to get ready to listen again.

I was ashamed of having exposed my cheap imaginings to him, and was expecting some sarcasms, but it did not happen.

He proceeded with his subject: "Nicky's appointed life is sixty-two years." "That's grand!" I said.
"Lisa's, thirty-six.

But, as I told you, I shall change their lives and those ages.

Two minutes and a quarter from now Nikolaus will wake out of his sleep and find the rain blowing in.