The Magician

As their wedding day approaches, Thomas has little time alone with Katia. Her brother Klaus constantly hovers, bantering with her or tickling her. Thomas feels left out of their closed circle. While Katia is busy with dress fittings, Klaus often discusses music and books with Thomas. Thomas asks him about Gustav Mahler, the famous composer, with whom Klaus studied. Klaus tells Thomas that Mahler was bewitched by his beautiful wife, Alma.

Katia’s father, Alfred, furnishes a seven-room apartment for her and Thomas without consulting the new couple. For their honeymoon, Thomas and Katia travel to Zurich, where Alfred has reserved them a grand room in the Hotel Bar Au Lac. On the wedding night, Thomas is excited to be near Katia. Her slim figure could easily pass for a boy’s. Despite Thomas’s fears about lovemaking, he and Katia happily consummate the marriage.

Thomas is intrigued by Katia’s manner of speaking, logical mind, and organizational skills. Soon, she begins to manage his affairs with ease. Though fond of discussing art and literature, she doesn’t like talking about her Jewish heritage. A few months after their wedding, Thomas and Katia visit her aunt Else Rosenberg and her husband in Berlin.