In an instant he had changed his manner, and become kind and gentle as he had always been before. He came to my side, with caresses and words of comfort; even a little friendly banter.
“Alas!” I groaned; “why did you never tell me about this before?”
“Because I was quite sure that you would burst out crying, as you are doing at present, you naughty child!”
At those words, directly and on the spur of the moment, there fell upon me a sense of strong distaste. Back to my memory came in swarms all sorts of seeming trifles, which, together with many a minute detail of our past, made proof demonstrative and irrefutable ... of what he was.
“And you were quite sure, Witold, of something else into the bargain!”
“What was that, Janka?”
With downcast eyes I answered, smiling:
“That I should never love you any more.”
I had spoken with absolute candour and certitude. I knew this to be a necessity of life to me; and I wiped my last tears away—
“Bah! give over, little girl. Do you not see this too is silly sentiment? You yourself don’t believe what you say.” He still spoke as in tones of tranquil persuasion; but I could see disquietude looking out of his eyes.