"We can at least see each other," she apologised humbly.
Thus it was by this frail yet steady light of hope and happiness that Nora entered and stood before them. She was not alone, and yet, as though of intention, Hildegarde had drawn back from her so that she stood apart, looking silently from one to the other. No one spoke. They too looked at her without a gesture of greeting, even of recognition. It was as though she were a total stranger, an intruder, an enemy. And yet that haggard young face might have touched them. It was almost terrible in its look of suspense and agony.
"Have I come in time?" she whispered.
Her voice broke the spell. Frau von Arnim nodded. Nothing had changed in her expression, but its very calm was a reproach and a punishment.
"He is alive," she said.
Nora took a step forward so that she came within the pale circle of light. For the first time they saw each other full in the eyes.
"You have brought the papers—the proof that he is innocent?" Frau von Arnim asked.
"I have brought everything—more than you know; and I have come to be forgiven."
A dead, blank silence. Suddenly she stretched out her hands in piteous, reckless appeal.
"Forgive me. I am guilty, but not so guilty as you think. I have been foolish and self-deceived, but not heartless, not wicked. Forgive me! Hildegarde has forgiven me!"