"How did it all come about?"
"Good Lord! I seem to have quite lost my senses!..."
Another whole sad hour went by in these painful contradictory thoughts. It had become broad daylight; a thick mist lay over the fields, whilst the sky was hidden by grey, heavy clouds.
"Matrona, it is time to go to your work!" Mechanically obeying the summons, she rose slowly, washed herself, and went with listless, heavy steps into the ward. Here, her languid appearance, her sad face and swollen eyes, immediately attracted the attention of those on duty.
"What is the matter with you then, Matrona? Are you ill?" asked the lady doctor.
"No, I am all right."
"You can speak openly; don't fear to give trouble. You know if there is anything the matter I can find a substitute for you."
Matrona was troubled at the thought of this kind-hearted but strange person perceiving the anguish that was in her soul; so, summoning up her last remnant of courage, she replied smilingly, but with an aching heart—
"There is really nothing the matter!... I have had a bit of a quarrel with my husband.... It's all over now.... And it's really nothing new."
"Poor soul!" sighed the lady doctor, who knew all about Matrona's former life.