In such stillness one could hear the rippling of the
stream.
"We are both unhappy," said Novikoff, conscious that these words came
from the depth of his heart. "Together perhaps we may find life
easier."
Lida's eyes were filled with tears of gratitude as she turned towards
him and murmured, "Perhaps."
Yet her eyes said, God knows I will be a good wife to you, and love and
respect you.
Novikoff read their message. He knelt down impetuously, and seizing her
hand, kissed it passionately. Roused by such emotion, Lida forgot her
shame.
"That's over!" she thought, "and I shall be happy again! Dear, good
fellow!" Weeping for joy, she gave him both her hands, and bending over
his head she kissed his soft, silky hair which she had always admired.
A vision rose before her of Sarudine, but it instantly vanished.
When Sanine returned, having given them enough time, as he thought, for
a mutual explanation, he found them seated, hand in hand, engaged in
quiet talk.
"Aha! I see how it is!" said Sanine gravely.
"Thank God, and be happy."
He was about to say something else, but sneezed loudly instead.
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