She tried to say something, but she was ashamed that he should see how her teeth chattered.
"And I can't take you in. You know why.... But I must--yes, I must take you in. If I let you go home like this you'll catch your death. We must be very quiet--as we were before. We mayn't speak above a whisper. The invalid is still not out of danger. Give me your hand.... Come!"
With eyes half closed, she suffered him to lead her up the stairs. Her wet dress flapped against, the banisters. She felt as if she must cower down on one of the steps and lie there till the charwoman came with her broom and swept her away. Yet she went on climbing the stairs, drawing nearer every minute to the fate in store for her above. With bowed head she followed him down the passage into his room, where the lingering sultriness of the summer day half stifled her. Konrad pushed her down into his easy-chair. He drew off the soaked velvet rags from her feet, and brought her dry stockings. The wet dress too he peeled from her body, threw his great-coat round her shoulders, and wrapped her in warm blankets.
She let him do it all impassively, wishing to enjoy to the full his tender care of her. So far she had not spoken a word. Now, when she wanted to thank him, he pointed to the door of the adjoining room.
"Speak low," he whispered in her ear beseechingly. "The poor thing seems to be having a good night for the first time."
Faint compassion awoke in her; yet talking was imperative.
"What is the matter with her?" she asked under her breath. "Tell me."
He hesitated. "The landlady has sworn me to strictest secrecy.... But you are part of myself; I may tell you. The girl, her only child, ran away three or four months ago, and was confined in secret. Her mother went and brought her home, and for six weeks she has been lying between life and death; at last she has taken a turn for the better."
"Poor thing!" she said, and then the consciousness of her own wretchedness came over her with renewed force.
"Konni, Konni," she wailed whisperingly on his breast, "it's all over now. I wanted to starve with you, beg, do anything; but what's the use?... When you know all...."