I did not hear the door open, but suddenly was conscious of Antony's voice.
"Ambrosine, for God's sake don't cry so!" he whispered, hoarsely.
I did not look up.
"Oh, I want to thank you for your kindness," I sobbed, "but if you would continue it you will leave me now."
He knelt on the rug beside me, but he did not even touch my hair.
"I cannot leave you—miserable like this," he said, brokenly, as if the words were dragged from him. "Ambrosine, my dearest! Little Comtesse, please, please do not cry!"
Joy ran through me at his words. My sobs ceased.
The drunken voice of Augustus began the song again from the next room.
I started up in terror. Oh, if he should burst into this room!
"Antony," I implored, "if you want to serve me, go!" And I opened the passage door.