The Hypnotist's Love Story

Ellen enjoys their getaway and notices all the babies in Noosa. Still, she’s looking for Saskia. On Sunday, Patrick suggests they take a walk to watch the sunset, and he brings a picnic. Patrick goes down on one knee and holds out a velvet case. Ellen tells him two things: She is pregnant, and she sees Saskia approaching.

Ellen thinks that Saskia looks sporty and attractive as she cheerfully greets them both by name. Patrick is upset that Saskia knows Ellen, and Ellen “felt as though she had actually been part of a wicked conspiracy with Saskia” (171). For the first time, though, Ellen is angry at Saskia for interrupting what should have been Ellen’s perfect moment. She loves the engagement ring and asks to try it on. Patrick realizes Ellen said she was pregnant.

Saskia tortures herself by imagining a beautiful wedding and a blissful future for Ellen and Patrick. Saskia thinks there is no one in her life who would mourn her when she’s gone. She remembers how Patrick said he was keeping her forever, and she considered them as good as married. She thinks, “I’ll make sure they always know I’m still there, looking in, peering through the glass, tapping on the window.