“Well, what is it you do want? Eh?”

She stopped suddenly; and by her face he saw that she recognized him.

“There are plenty of the likes of you loafing about! Go away, go away⁠ ⁠… in Heaven’s name!”

Kornéy fell back against the wall, supporting himself with his staff, and looked intently at her. He was surprised to find that he no longer felt the anger he had nursed against her all these years, but that a mixed feeling of tenderness and languor had suddenly overcome him.

“Martha!⁠ ⁠… We shall have to die soon⁠ ⁠…”

“Go⁠ ⁠… go, in Heaven’s name!” said she, rapidly and angrily.

“Is that all you have to say?”