His features partially saddened while he gazed, and taking her long hair, still wet and dishevelled from the rain, in his hands, he pressed it over his lips, over his face, over his neck.
Then, when he saw that she was endeavouring to speak, when he beheld the tears that were now filling her eyes, he drew her closer to him, and hurriedly continued in lower tones-- 'Hush! hush! No more grief, no more tears! Tell me not whither you have wandered--speak not of what you have suffered; for would not every word be a reproach to me?
And you have come to pardon and not to reproach! Let not the recollection that it was I who cast you off be forced on me from your lips; let us remember only that we are restored to each other; let us think that God has accepted my penitence and forgiven me my sin, in suffering my child to return! Or, if we must speak of the days of separation that are past, speak to me of the days that found you tranquil and secure; rejoice me by telling me that it was not all danger and woe in the bitter destiny which my guilty anger prepared for my own child! Say to me that you met protectors as well as enemies in the hour of your flight--that all were not harsh to you as I was--that those of whom you asked shelter and safety looked on your face as on a petition for charity and kindness from friends whom they loved! Tell me only of your protectors, Antonina, for in that there will be consolation; and you have come to console!' As he waited for her reply he felt her tremble on his bosom, he saw the shudder that ran over her frame.

The despair in her voice, though she only pronounced in answer to him the simple words, 'There was one'-- and then ceased, unable to proceed--penetrated coldly to his heart.
'Is he not at hand ?' he hurriedly resumed.

'Why is he not here?
Let us seek him without delay.

I must humble myself before him in my gratitude.

I must show him that I was worthy that my Antonina should be restored.' 'He is dead!' she gasped, sinking down in the arms that embraced her, as the recollections of the past night again crowded in all their horror on her memory.