"Tanya," he whispered, "forgive me----"
"I do--for tonight, Grisha Khodkine."
He looked up with a smile.
"My name--now--for all time--for Russia--and for you."
She closed her eyes as though she feared they might read conviction in the smooth tones of this new insincerity and turned away, just as Herr Markov came around from the stable and reported the donkey safely bedded down for the night, and together they went into the house where arrangements were made for Tanya's comfort. The priest was given a couch in the living room. Herr Markov against their protestations chose a bed in the straw by Fra Umberto. Tanya understood and rewarded him by a bright glance as she went up the stairs.
CHAPTER XXIII
THE PRIEST
Tanya was again called at daylight and after an excellent breakfast they were on their way, Tanya afoot, until they neared the high road when she coolly bade good-bye to Herr Hochwald and without further words entered her prison to be driven all morning steadily towards Weingarten.
"He has gone on," reported Herr Markov after a while.
"That is well. But we must not trust him," she replied, "until we are safe upon the other border of the lake."