We cannot at present
arrange for your journey to Tver, but as soon as it is possible I will
tell you."
He looked at the clock, and made an imperceptible movement toward the
door.
Etta glanced up sharply. She did not seem to be breathing.
"Is that all?" she asked, in a dull voice.
There was a long silence, tense and throbbing, the great silence of the
steppe.
"I think so," answered Paul at length. "I have tried to be just."
"Then justice is very cruel."
"Not so cruel as the woman who for a few pounds sells the happiness of
thousands of human beings. Steinmetz advised me to speak to you. He
suggested the possibility of circumstances of which we are ignorant. He
said that you might be able to explain."
Silence.
"Can you explain?"
Silence. Etta sat looking into the fire. The little clock hurried on. At
length Etta drew a deep breath.
"You are the sort of man," she said, "who does not understand
temptation. You are strong. The devil leaves the strong in peace. You
have found virtue easy because you have never wanted money. Your
position has always been assured. Your name alone is a password through
the world. Your sort are always hard on women who--who--What have I
done, after all?"
Some instinct bade her rise to her feet and stand before him--tall,
beautiful, passionate, a woman in a thousand, a fit mate for such as he.
Pages:
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404