... He was speaking. She must listen, must bear herself rationally. He was holding her hand, lightly--for an instant--then he had dropped it, and she heard his voice. That, too, was changed, with the subtle transmutation which had passed over him. "I am sorry," he said, "that my disappearance has apparently caused far more anxiety and trouble than I could have anticipated." He hesitated, rather as if he expected her to explain her miraculous appearance in Siberia. But she could not have uttered a word. After a pause he went on--"Surely it cannot be--on my account?--I mean, I am at a loss to explain your being here." She made a mighty effort then, and brought out a few gasping words. "Denzil--he is at Savlinsky. He is very ill. I am on my way--to him." He looked oddly enlightened. The lines of contempt, or indifference, deepened about his almost too expressive mouth. "May I ask if my brother has any idea of the--er--remarkable course you are pursuing?" She assented eagerly. "He is expecting me. I--I must go on directly." For a moment she wrestled with her feelings, then commanded herself. "You don't know what it is to see you--to see the face of a friend," she faltered. "I feel so lost, so bewildered. You will help me, will you not? I want a tarantasse." "No," he replied, "what you must have is a povosska--a thing with a hood. I was just ordering one for myself. I, too, am going to Savlinsky--" he paused, eying her doubtfully. She forestalled him. "Then, for pity's sake, let me travel with you! I--I will try not to be troublesome. I hope you don't mind, but it would be such a relief--I feel much less courageous than I expected. I can't understand a single word, and it makes me feel helpless." Felix bowed. "At what time would you wish to start?" he asked. "As soon as I have had some lunch. I am very hungry. Eating upon the train made me feel ill." "Let me put you into your carriage, and, if you will wait a minute for me, I will give the order and escort you to the inn." He piloted her through the dirt, seated her in her carriage with a few words to the driver, whose manner at once became more respectful, and, having returned to the stable-keeper, soon rejoined her, and in a few minutes they were seated, side by side, clattering through black, gluey mud, among swarms and swarms of excited people, who thronged the streets in dense crowds. "What quantities of people," she said wonderingly, glad to have something upon which she could remark naturally. "I never knew that such a place could be so thickly populated." "Oh," he answered, with a certain frigid reluctance, "it is not always like this. To-day is exceptional. These are sightseers." "Indeed!" she replied, anxious only to avert silence, "what was the sight they have come to see?" There was a perceptible pause before he replied: "An execution."