"I do not see him. We were to meet him opposite the Swedes' church."
"Then go and find him."
"What, leave you? Not I. Let me carry you."
"Oh, no, no; thou must not." But in a moment he had the slight figure in his arms.
"Let me down! I will never, never forgive thee!" But he only said in a voice of resolute command, "Keep still, Pearl, or I shall fall." She was silent. Did she like it, the strong arms about her, the head on his shoulder, the heart throbbing as never before? He spoke no more, but moved carefully on.
They had not gone a hundred yards when he heard Schmidt calling. At once he set her down, saying, "Am I forgiven?"
"No—yes," she said faintly.
"Pearl, dear Pearl, I love you. I meant not to speak, oh, for a time, but it has been too much for me. Say just a word." But she was silent as Schmidt stopped beside them and René in a few words explained.
"Was it here?" asked Schmidt.