It is a pity that you should love a madman--" "O, don't, Herr Schmidt--please don't!" cried Vjera, imploring him to be silent as much with her eyes as with her voice.
"No, but really," continued the other, as though talking to himself, "there are things that go beyond all imagination in this world.

Now, who would ever have thought of such a thing ?" This time Vjera did not make any answer, nor repeat her request.

But as she tugged with all her might at the brass handle, the Cossack heard a quick sob, and then another.
"Poor Vjera!" he exclaimed kindly, and laying his hand on her shoulder.
"Poor child! I am very sorry for you, poor Vjera--I would do anything to help you, indeed I would--if I only knew what it should be." "Then help me to wake up Fischelowitz," answered the girl in a shaken voice.

"I am sure he is at home at this time--" "I have done all I can.

If he will not wake, he will not.