"How red it looks," whispered little Wassilj, pointing to the parting glory.
"It forbodes blood," said Halko, under his breath.
"Blood," echoed the poor mother with staring eyes, pressing her children closer.
Father Leo could bear it no longer. He went near to her, taking her hand gently. "Anusia," he said, "do you believe----?"
"What do I know," she interrupted him, sharply. "Am I of the avenger's band? I am a widow, anxious to keep the peace for my children's sake."
Leo paced the room. "That is well," he said, presently. "I wish all the people were like you. They say they will not join him, but I fear their own wild disposition will be too much for them."
Anusia made no answer, and he sat down again in silence. Thus they continued, amid the sinking shadows, in the darkening room.
But suddenly they started, and the children gave a cry of alarm. There had been a tapping at the window which overlooked the garden. It was the window to the west catching the last glimmer of light; no one outside was visible, but as they gazed a hand was lifted cautiously from below, once more tapping the pane.
"It is father!" cried the children, and the pope rose.
"Hush, children," said Anusia, in a whisper, but so impressively that they forthwith obeyed. "Please keep quiet, Father Leo. It is not Taras, but his messenger ... sit still ... I am his wife and must answer when he calls."