In his head was a noise of running waters; standing motionless, with fingers intertwined, he looked at her from behind the counter as if in her alone he saw all the evil and sorrow of his life.
"I like you to be passionate, but, my dear, you must be able to control yourself."
"Go!" said Ilya.
"I'm going. I can't see you to-day, but the day after to-morrow, the twenty-third, it's my birthday, will you come?"
As she spoke she fingered her brooch without looking at Ilya.
"Go away!" he repeated, trembling with desire to clutch and torture her.
She went. Almost immediately, Terenti reappeared and asked politely:
"Is that your partner?"
Ilya sighed with relief and nodded.
"A fine lady! isn't she? Small but——"