“There's someone who knows us here. He tried your door. It makes me think we're watched. We can slip out now and hunt up Varensky. If we wait till later, we'll be followed.”
Her pupils dilated, obscuring the grayness of her eyes; they became black pools, mirroring her terror. “To be caught with Varensky would mean death.” He seated himself on the edge of her cot. “I didn't think you knew what fear was. Don't be frightened. I'll protect you.”
“Dear!” All of a sudden she had become intensely calm. “Did you think I was afraid for myself? Before many days, perhaps before to-day is out, it'll be you who'll need protecting. I beg you, don't go near Varensky.”
“But—”
“Let me go myself,” she implored. When he glanced away without replying, she rushed on impetuously. “Some one's got to take risks. I don't count. Your life must be spared.”
With an effort he brought his gaze back. “There's Anna.”
Instead of the explosion he had expected, her voice became gravely tender. “I forgot. You care for her as I care for you. I'm sorry.”
Her feet slipped to the floor; he saw them marble white against the bare, scrubbed boards—beautiful as hands, the feet of a dancer. As he retreated, she smiled bravely, “You shan't wait long.”
V
So far as they were aware, no one had noticed their departure. The deep breathing of the motley throng had been like the beat of a muffled engine. Even the night-porter, who should have been on guard, had collapsed across his desk with his face buried in his arms.