She had not arrived, and we were quite unexpected; but at a few words from Ivan I was admitted, and he led the horses away to the stables.
I was too anxious to remain in the house, and as soon as I had washed and removed the traces of the reckless ride from my clothes, I went out to the gate and waited with a feverish impatience for signs of her coming.
The thought of the danger into which she had plunged maddened me; and I breathed a fervent thanksgiving when at length I caught sight of the carriage.
Chapter IX—HELGA SPEAKS
“THANK God, you are safe,” I cried as I assisted Helga from the carriage, my pent-up anxiety making my tone intensely earnest.
“Safe? I?” and she looked at me in astonishment. “Why, has anything happened?”
“I am excited. Ivan has told me of your danger.”
“Then Ivan must be taught how to hold his tongue.”