This appeared to have a softening effect; but not enough for the purpose. "Why does one day make such a difference?"
"Every minute makes a difference, Anna. I am on the rack and it's positive torture to prolong this suspense."
"I'm sorry. I am really; but I can't make up my mind. If you could do without me all these years, another day can't matter so much. Not that I can see."
"If you had lost your memory, you'd understand."
"But that was only a week or two ago. What of all the other time, the years and years you've left me to fend for myself?"
"I can't account for that," I said, as if distracted.
"You hadn't lost your memory all that time, however."
"The shock of the explosion has utterly changed me in every way."
"It was about time, I should think, judging by all I've heard and the way you treated me. I don't deny you're a white man enough now; but what if you got your memory back? It might change you into something very different. I have to think of that, you know. You might be mad enough to—to do anything; perhaps even murder me. You're not surprised it makes me think, are you? I don't wish to be made into an honest woman only to be murdered."
This was altogether so different from her previous attitude, that it was clear some one had been coaching her; and of course it could only be von Erstein. "You need not fear that, Anna."