We sit some time in silence; at last Eva points to a number of "The Kite" lying on the toilet table, and whispers,—
"What a vexation, what a vexation!"
Suddenly she bursts into nervous weeping, and trembles like a leaf.
I know that she is weeping from weariness, not because of "The Kite," for that article is buffoonery which every one will forget to-morrow; and the whole of Ostrynski is not worth one tear from Eva; still my heart is straitened the more. I seize her hands and cover them with kisses. I take her; I press her to my breast. My heart begins to beat with growing violence; something amazing takes place in me. I kneel down at Eva's knees, not knowing myself what I am doing; a cloud covers my eyes; suddenly I seize her in my arms, without thinking what I do.
"Vladek, Vladek, pity!" whispers Eva.
But I press her to my stormy breast; I know nothing of anything. I have lost my wits! I kiss her on the forehead, mouth, eyes; I can only say, —
"I love thee! I love—"
With that Eva's head drops back; her arms enclose my neck feverishly, and I hear the whisper,—
"I have loved thee this long time."