On this very spot where he now waited for her, she had yesterday waited for him; looking out into the dusk because she had not been able to rest for anxiety about him, just as to-day he could not rest for anxiety about her.
For a moment he felt a strong inclination to dive behind the bushes, so that she should not see him; but the next he was ashamed of being ashamed, and stepped forward to meet her on the Cats' Bridge.
"You have had a bad time of it, Regina," he called out; and tried to relieve her of the sack she carried on her back.
But she quickly dodged him, holding out her elbows in protest. She was muffled to the eyes in shawls, and could not speak. They walked to the door in silence. On the threshold she turned and tore the wraps from her face.
"I have a favour to ask, Herr," she said breathlessly.
"Well, what is it?"
"Would you mind staying out another half-hour, or going into the kitchen, so that I can warm the room and tidy up a little?"
"But you must rest first."
"Not now, Herr, if you don't mind."
And she went in, letting her burdens fall to the floor in the darkness.