3
The door opened, and she was there. He sprang up.
She shut the door behind her and put her back against it, and her hands, as if to support herself.
Felix stood staring at her in surprise. She was pale, and she had a heroic air, somehow. She tried to speak—twice—and made no sound, only a movement of the throat and lips.
“What’s the matter?” he asked anxiously, going up to her.
She put out her hands, as if to hold him away, and let them rest on his shoulders. She looked at him earnestly.
“Felix,” she said. “Felix.... I know what is troubling you.”
“Yes?” he said, confusedly.
“It’s that girl. You’re in love with her, Felix. Well—I keep my promise. You—you can—”
“What girl?” he asked, amazed.