Anna did not answer.
"So it was he, then?" said George, without being really surprised, for he was aware that all the celebrated master's pupils fell in love with him in spite of his grey hairs.
"And did you love him most," asked George, "of all the men you had come across?"
"Strange, isn't it? but it's a fact all the same."
"Did he know it?"
"I think so."
They had arrived at an open space with a small garden ... that was only scantily lighted. At the back there towered a church with a reddish glow. As though drawn to a quieter place they wandered on under dark softly-waving branches.
"And what actually was there between you, if it is not a rude question?"
Anna was silent, and that moment George felt that everything was possible—even that Anna should have been that man's mistress. But underneath the disquiet which he felt at that thought the desire arose gently and unconsciously to hear his fear confirmed. For if Anna had already belonged to some one else before she became his, the adventure could proceed as lightly and irresponsibly as possible.
"I will tell you the whole story," said Anna at last. "It is really not so awful."