“While talking with her I observed a bird cage hanging on a hook by the window and, never having noticed it before, asked if she had a new bird.
“In reply she merely nodded, without looking up from her work.
“I strolled over and looked at the bird.
“‘Why,’ I said, ‘this bird appears to be a kos, Maro.’ Probably there was a note of surprise in my voice, for the kos is not supposed to live in captivity.
“Mara looked up sharply.
“‘Are you visiting blame upon me, then?’ she asked.
“‘Not at all,’ I answered, mystified at her tone. ‘I did not know that the kos could be tamed; that is all.’
“‘Did Gavrilo tell you to speak to me about this?’ she demanded.
“‘Certainly not,’ I answered. ‘I have not seen Gavrilo yet.’ Then, crossing to where she sat, and looking down at her, I asked: ‘What is the matter, Maro? How have I offended you?’
“Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at me.