"I know that it is hard for you to forgive me," began Nekhludoff, but feeling the tears flooding his eyes, again stopped, "but if the past cannot be mended, I will do now everything in my power. Tell me——"
"How did you find me?" she asked without answering his question, her squinting eyes looking and not looking at him.
"Oh, Lord! Help me, teach me what to do!" Nekhludoff said to himself as he looked at her face so completely changed.
"I was on the jury when you were tried," he said. "You did not recognize me?"
"No, I did not. I had no time to recognize you. Besides, I did not look," she answered.
"Wasn't there a child?" he asked, and he felt his face turning red.
"It died at that time, thank God," she said with bitterness, turning away her head.
"How did it happen?"
"I was ill myself—nearly died," she said without raising her eyes.
"How could the aunts let you go?"