He was quite close to her now. She felt dizzy, and as though she could hardly bear such nearness. She thought, suddenly and irrelevantly, of the way in which they had clung together, she and he, in the little arbor at Normansgrave—clung each to each, and felt that to part was terrible.
... He was speaking. She must listen, must bear herself rationally. He was holding her hand, lightly—for an instant—then he had dropped it, and she heard his voice. That, too, was changed, with the subtle transmutation which had passed over him.
"I am sorry," he said, "that my disappearance has apparently caused far more anxiety and trouble than I could have anticipated." He hesitated, rather as if he expected her to explain her miraculous appearance in Siberia. But she could not have uttered a word. After a pause he went on—"Surely it cannot be—on my account?—I mean, I am at a loss to explain your being here."
She made a mighty effort then, and brought out a few gasping words.
"Denzil—he is at Savlinsky. He is very ill. I am on my way—to him."
He looked oddly enlightened. The lines of contempt, or indifference, deepened about his almost too expressive mouth. "May I ask if my brother has any idea of the—er—remarkable course you are pursuing?"
She assented eagerly. "He is expecting me. I—I must go on directly." For a moment she wrestled with her feelings, then commanded herself. "You don't know what it is to see you—to see the face of a friend," she faltered. "I feel so lost, so bewildered. You will help me, will you not? I want a tarantasse."
"No," he replied, "what you must have is a povosska—a thing with a hood. I was just ordering one for myself. I, too, am going to Savlinsky—" he paused, eying her doubtfully. She forestalled him.
"Then, for pity's sake, let me travel with you! I—I will try not to be troublesome. I hope you don't mind, but it would be such a relief—I feel much less courageous than I expected. I can't understand a single word, and it makes me feel helpless."
Felix bowed. "At what time would you wish to start?" he asked.