He hurried away to do her bidding, for he was still consumed with anxiety that they might be surprised in their present situation. When he came back, she was lying motionless face downwards on the cushions. He called her name. Instead of answering, she pointed to the back of her head.
He sprinkled a few drops of the strongly scented liquid on her hair, and then wiped his damp hands quickly on his coat-sleeve. She turned round.
"Now my forehead," she whispered, with closed eyes.
He moistened her temples.
"How kind you are!" she whispered; and then went on, "one has to become as miserable as this to learn what true compassion is."
"Sit up now," he commanded.
"You are right," she replied, lifting wide eyes to his. "Our time is up. Ulrich may be back at any minute."
Ulrich! The blood flamed into his face. His friend's name fell painfully upon him like a whip.
"I must go at once!" he exclaimed.
"Won't you wait and see him?" she asked innocently.