Yes, Nadia, I trust that my mother has left Omsk." "And when shall you see her ?" "I shall see her--on my return." "If, however, your mother is still at Omsk, you will be able to spare an hour to go to her ?" "I shall not go and see her." "You will not see her ?" "No, Nadia," said Michael, his chest heaving as he felt he could not go on replying to the girl's questions.
"You say no! Why, brother, if your mother is still at Omsk, for what reason could you refuse to see her ?" "For what reason, Nadia?
You ask me for what reason," exclaimed Michael, in so changed a voice that the young girl started.

"For the same reason as that which made me patient even to cowardice with the villain who--" He could not finish his sentence.
"Calm yourself, brother," said Nadia in a gentle voice.

"I only know one thing, or rather I do not know it, I feel it.

It is that all your conduct is now directed by the sentiment of a duty more sacred--if there can be one--than that which unites the son to the mother." Nadia was silent, and from that moment avoided every subject which in any way touched on Michael's peculiar situation.

He had a secret motive which she must respect.