Apparently his kindness frightened her. It was necessary to adopt a firmer tone in order to become master of his own emotions.
"Stupid girl," he said loftily, "do you think I wish you to die out there of cold?"
For a moment she stood like a statue, silent and motionless, and big sparkling drops rolled down her cheeks. And then suddenly she threw herself at his feet, clung to both his hands, and covered them with kisses and tears.
At first he was too unnerved and thrilled at the sight of her agitation to speak. He had never imagined that she would be so deeply moved. Then he collected himself, and withdrawing his hands commanded her to rise.
"Don't make a scene, Regina," he said. "Go to bed. I'm sure you must be tired out."
She would have wiped her eyes with her sleeve, as was her habit, only she remembered the new soft fur trimming in time, and so let her tears run on.
"Ah, Herr!" she sobbed. "I hardly know what's come over me. But were you really serious? I don't deserve all your kindness. First the beautiful jacket, and then when I expected a whipping for being gone the whole day--for you to ... Oh----"
"Say no more. I won't listen to another word," he insisted. "You must have some sort of bed. Where used you to sleep before?"
She started and cast down her eyes.
"Before?" she murmured.