With a rapid movement, she withdrew from my embrace, and I offered her my arm, just as if we were in a drawing-room and I was about to lead her out for a dance; she took it, but I did not feel elated at this, for I could feel her knees waver at every step.

The smallest crevasse, which she had crossed before with such agility, now inspired her with a horror which I could divine by the trembling of her arm within mine.

I was obliged to make numerous detours in order to avoid them, and thus prolonged the distance, for which I was not sorry.

Did I not know that when we reached our destination, the world, that other sea of ice, was going to take her away from me, perhaps forever?
We walked silently, occasionally making a few trivial remarks, both deeply embarrassed.

When we reached the persons who awaited her, I said, as she disengaged my arm: "'You dropped my flowers, Madame; will it be the same with your memory of me ?' "She looked at me, but made no reply.