But that evening Vyadrovski brought her almost to a nervous attack; for it seemed as though for what he had eaten and drunk, he had undertaken to poison every spoonful of her coffee, and every moment of her time. He spoke generally, and as it were objectively, of women, without crossing the bounds of politeness, but at the bottom of his words there was not only cynicism, but a completeness of allusion to Pani Elzen's character and social position, which was simply offensive, and to her, immensely disagreeable, especially before Svirski, who both suffered and was impatient. A stone fell from her heart, therefore, when at last the guests went away and only the artist remained. "Aa!" exclaimed she, breathing deeply, "I feel the beginning of neuralgia, and I know not myself what is happening to me." "They tormented you?" "Yes, yes--and more than tormented!" "Why do you invite them?" She approached him feverishly, as if losing control of her nerves, and said,-- "Sit quietly, do not move! I cannot tell--perhaps I destroy myself in your eyes; but I need this as a medicine. Oh, yes! To remain a moment in this way at the side of an honest man--a moment in this way!" All at once her eyelids were bedewed abundantly; but she put her finger to her lips time after time as a sign not to speak, and to let her remain silent. But Svirski was moved, since he had always grown soft as wax at sight of woman's tears. The confidence which she showed him, conquered the man and filled his heart with tenderness. He understood that the decisive moment had come, so, putting his arm around her, he said,-- "Stay with me forever; give me a right to yourself." Pani Elzen made no answer; great tears were flowing from her eyes, but they were silent tears. "Be mine," repeated Svirski. She put her hand on his other shoulder, and nestled up to him as a child to its mother. Svirski, bending over, kissed her forehead, then he fell to kissing tears from her eyes, and gradually the flame seized him; in a moment he caught her in his athletic arms, pressed her with all his strength to his breast, and sought her lips with his lips. But she defended herself. "No! no!" said she, with panting voice. "Thou art not like others--later! No! no! Have pity!" Svirski held her in his embrace; she bent backward; at that moment he was just like other men; happily for Pani Elzen, there was a knock at the door. They sprang apart. "Who is there?" inquired Pani Elzen, impatiently. The gloomy head of Kresovich appeared in the doorway. "Pardon me," said he, in a broken voice. "Romulus is coughing, and perhaps he has a fever; I thought it necessary to inform you." Svirski stood up. "Should you not send for a doctor?" Pani Elzen had recovered her usual self-possession already. "I thank you," said she; "if necessary, we will send from the hotel; but first I must see the boy. Thank you! but I must go--so till to-morrow! Thank you!"