“What you were just about to do proved your sincerity. I could not let you go further with it. But come—please sit down.”
He first pushed a chair for her before the fireplace, then drew one up beside her. Her smile sobered and she looked at him steadily.
“Yes, I think I can trust you. There are your actions as proof. And then, had you wanted to betray me, you have had plenty of time to do so. Our ideals are separated by the width of the world—but I trust your honour.”
“You can indeed!” was all he could say.
Her smile came back. Till this last minute he had never seen her really smile, so had never seen but half her beauty.
“If I am not mistaken, you are a little curious?”
“I am dumbfounded!”
“You know so much already, there is no reason you should not know more—provided it goes no further than yourself. First question?”
“I—I don’t know where to begin. Five days ago I saw you in St. Petersburg. Yet it seems that all the while you have been in Berlin. I think I can make a guess at the explanation, but——”
“Yes, it’s simple enough. First let me say that I was supposed to be abroad for pleasure; in reality I was there on business affairs of the revolutionists. Two weeks ago I suddenly announced that I was leaving Berlin to visit a friend in France. I am known as very self-willed; that explains and excuses much. I secretly entered Russia, as a poor student, on a false passport. When I left you, five nights ago, I took a train; three days ago I reappeared in Berlin from my French visit; the next day I set out for Russia.”