"That is why we must bear in patience," said Melitta.
Oldenburg let go her hands.
"How is she?"
"She is very feeble: in a state between sleeping and waking, but she knows me; and she has asked for you several times."
"Is Czika with her?"
"Yes."
"May I see her?"
"Let me first go in alone. I shall be back directly."
After a few minutes, during which Oldenburg had walked up and down in the room, his arms crossed on his breast and his eyes fixed on the ground, Melitta reappeared in the door.
"Come!"