“Good morning to you.”
Sina felt utterly powerless. She only murmured:
“Good morning.”
Sanine leant on the window-sill and said:
“Do come out into the garden for a little while and have a talk.”
Sina got up, swayed by a strange force that robbed her of her will.
“I’ll wait for you there,” added Sanine.
She merely nodded.
As he strolled back to the garden Sina was afraid to look at him. For some seconds she remained motionless, with her hands clasped, and then suddenly went out, holding up her dress so as to walk more easily.
Sunlight touched the bright-hued autumn foliage; and the garden seemed steeped in a golden haze. As Sina hastened towards him, Sanine was standing at some distance in the middle of the path. His smile troubled her. He took her hand, and, sitting on the trunk of a tree, gently drew her on to his lap.