"Hush, hush!" he replied, by main force keeping her in her seat. "To-morrow do whatever you please; to-night it is my right to ask your forgiveness, and to swear before God that I will never again as long as I live give you cause for jealousy, either with the girl up stairs or any other."
And the report goes that he fulfilled his vow.
XVI.
It happened that one clear, cool February evening, as they were walking along the street, Maximina said to her husband:—
"I feel very tired. Don't you want to go home?"
"Is it only weariness," he asked, looking at her with interest. "Don't you feel ill?"
"A little," she said, leaning somewhat heavier on his arm.
"I will call a carriage."
"No, no! I am perfectly able to walk."
In spite of her willingness, however, Maximina found walking each moment more difficult; her husband perceiving it, quickly stopped, and considered for a moment; then taking her hand, said:—