"SHE PUT HER ARMS ABOUT HIS NECK."
She put her arms about his neck; and so they were silent for a time, standing motionless beneath the trees. Stefanovitch said at last:—
"Who told you that I was dead, little one? Who caused you such pain?"
"It is so terrible a story. I heard that you escaped—"
"And so I did."
"That in the forest you were caught by a regiment of Cossacks, and that—"
Stefanovitch interrupted her. "What!" he cried out, "you heard of that? Yes, it was true; but, Gabrielle, at a moment like this, when my cup is overflowing, I can forgive even Ivan Vassilitch—"
Gabrielle sprang from him as if he had struck her. In an instant she saw the whole truth. The cry she would have uttered died on her parted lips. She remained mute, bewildered, paralyzed with astonishment.
"Ah, you know the man," said Stefanovitch. "I had forgotten that. Well, let him pass, Gabrielle. Come, you are shivering. It is so cold out here. May I come indoors for an hour?"
The ex-captain of Cossacks closed the gate as he left the avenue. He had heard every word. And he had let them go. Why, he might have pistolled Stefanovitch as he stood there!