"Because we are near the meadows," he replied. "But we shall soon proceed and go to dear papa, whom we have also rescued from captivity, and you shall be mine even unto death. Do you hear me well? Do you understand me?"
Then he suddenly became alarmed, for he observed that her face was gradually paling and was thickly covered with perspiration.
"What ails you?" he asked in great alarm.
And he felt his hair bristling and frost creeping through his bones.
"What ails you, tell me," he repeated.
"It darkens," she whispered.
"It darkens? Why, the sun shines and you say: 'it darkens'?" he said with a suppressed voice. "Up to this time you have spoken rationally. In God's name I beseech you, speak, even if it is only one word."
She still moved her lips, but she was unable even to whisper. Zbyszko guessed that she tried to pronounce his name and that she called him. Immediately afterward, her emaciated hands began to twitch and flutter upon the rug covering her. That lasted only for a moment. No doubt was left now that she had expired.
Horrified and in despair, Zbyszko began to beg her, as though his entreaties could avail:
"Danuska! Oh, merciful Jesus!… Only wait till we come to Spychow! Wait!
Wait, I beseech you! Oh, Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!"