They went back to the fireplace and stood side by side gazing at the flames. He linked his arm through hers without looking at her, and she did not shrink from his touch, for she was thinking only of his kindness then. He pressed her arm to his side and then withdrew his own and looked at his watch.
‘I must be going,’ he said.
‘Stay a little longer,’ said she, and it was the first time she had ever made such a request.
‘I wish I could. But there is a lawyer waiting for me, and I must see him before dinner.’
‘A lawyer? Is anything wrong? You looked a little tired when you came in. Has anything happened?’
‘Yes, my dear, and I wish your judgment were as good as your heart!’ He smiled.
‘My judgment? What do you mean?’
‘Schmidt disappeared four days ago, and we cannot find any trace of him.’
Maria was profoundly surprised.