Madame Patoff's mood changed. Though Alexander was more like her, she possessed, too, some of the inexorable coldness which Paul had inherited so abundantly. She now drew herself up, and retired to the other side of the room. Paul's hand was on the door. Then she turned once more, and he saw that her face was as pale as death.
"Go," she said, for the last time. "And above all, do not come back. Unless you can bring Alexis with you, and show him to me alive, I will always believe that you killed him, like the heartless, cruel monster you have been from a child."
"Is that your last word, mother?" asked Paul, controlling his voice by a great effort.
"My very last word, to you," she answered, pointing to the door.
Paul went out, and left her alone. In the corridor he found Professor Cutter, calmly walking up and down. The scientist stopped, and looked at Paul's pale face.
"Was I right?" he asked.
"Too right."
"I thought so," said the professor. "Do you mean to leave to-morrow?"
"Yes," answered Paul quietly. "I must eat something. I am exhausted."
He staggered against Dr. Cutter's strong arm, and caught himself by it. The professor held him firmly on his feet, and looked at him curiously.