ame; and the night。 She had not lighted the
lamp。 His heart burned with pain and with grief。 He trembled to
go to her。
And at last he went; hesitating; burdened with a great
offering。 The hardness had gone out of him; his body was
sensitive; slightly trembling。 His hand was curiously sensitive;
shrinking; as he shut the door。 He fixed the latch almost
tenderly。
In the kitchen was only the fireglow; he could not see her。
He quivered with dread lest she had gone……he knew not
where。 In shrinking dread; he went through to the parlour; to
the foot of the stairs。
〃Anna;〃 he called。
There was no answer。 He went up the stairs; in dread of the
empty house……the horrible emptiness that made his heart
ring with insanity。 He opened the bedroom door; and his heart
flashed with certainty that she had gone; that he was alone。
But he saw her on the bed; lying very still and scarcely
noticeable; with her back to him。 He went and put his hand on
her shoulder; very gently; hesitating; in a great fear and
self…offering。 She did not move。
He waited。 The hand that touched her shoulder hurt him; as if
she were sending it away。 He stood dim with pain。
〃Anna;〃 he said。
But still she was motionless; like a curled up; oblivious
creature。 His heart beat with strange throes of pain。 Then; by a
motion under his hand; he knew sh