Suddenly Nell raised herself up in bed.
“Stasch!”
“Here I am, Nell.”
Then, shaking like a leaf blown by the wind, she eagerly began to search for his hand and to repeat hastily:
“I’m frightened; I’m frightened! Give me your hand!”
“Don’t be frightened. I’m here with you.”
And he grasped her hand, which now burned like fire, and having no idea what to do, he began to cover the poor, wretched little hand with kisses.
“Don’t be frightened, Nell; don’t be frightened.”
Then he gave her a drink of honey mixed with water, which had become cold. This time Nell drank greedily, and when he tried to take the cup away from her mouth she held his hands tight. The cold drink seemed to quiet her.
A long silence ensued. Half an hour later Nell raised herself up again, and there was a terrible expression of fright in her wide-open eyes.