“That was two months ago. Then he wanted me to come⁠—to that house. He wanted me to stay there. He said all of us⁠—that we would not have to work. He made me come there⁠—in the evenings. I told you⁠—you thought I was at the factory. Then⁠—one night it snowed, and I couldn’t get back. And last night⁠—the cars were stopped. It was such a little thing⁠—to ruin us all. I tried to walk, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want you to know. It would have⁠—it would have been all right. We could have gone on⁠—just the same⁠—you need never have known about it. He was getting tired of me⁠—he would have let me alone soon. I am going to have a baby⁠—I am getting ugly. He told me that⁠—twice, he told me, last night. He kicked me⁠—last night⁠—too. And now you will kill him⁠—you⁠—you will kill him⁠—and we shall die.”

All this she had said without a quiver; she lay still as death, not an eyelid moving. And Jurgis, too, said not a word. He lifted himself by the bed, and stood up. He did not stop for another glance at her, but went to the door and opened it. He did not see Elzbieta, crouching terrified in the corner. He went out, hatless, leaving the street door open behind him. The instant his feet were on the sidewalk he broke into a run.