We crossed corridors and came to the place. The old woman opened a door and pushed me forward, whispering, "I will come to take you back."

A match flared up for a moment and in the darkness a familiar face lit up, and I heard her voice say:

"Lock the door."

I locked it.

I felt along the wall till I reached the stove, leaned up against it and asked:

"Will there be no light?"

The girl gave a little laugh. "What kind of a light?" she asked.

"Oh, you wanton!" I thought to myself, but remained silent.

I could hardly make out the girl. She was in the dark, like a black cloud in a stormy sky.

"Why don't you speak?" she asked. Her voice was masterful.