"I am sure that something dreadful is going to happen," she continued after a moment's pause. "He will go mad in that horrible prison, raving mad, so that they will have to--to hold him--" she sobbed and then recovered herself by an effort. "Or else--he will fall ill and die, after it--" Here she broke down completely and stopping in the middle of the street began crying bitterly, clutching at Schmidt's arm as though to keep from falling.
"I should not wonder," he said, but she fortunately did not catch the words.
He was very sorry for the poor girl, and felt inclined to take her in his arms and carry her to her home, for he saw that she was weak and exhausted as well as overcome by her anxiety. Before resorting to such a measure, however, he thought it best to try to encourage her to walk on.
"Nothing that one expects, ever happens," he said confidently, and passing his arm through hers, as though to lead her away. "Come, you will be at home presently and then you will go to bed and in the morning, before you are at the shop, everything will have been set right, and I daresay the Count will be there before you, and looking as well as ever."
"How can you say that, when you know that he never comes on Wednesdays!" exclaimed Vjera through her tears. "I am sure something dreadful will happen to him. No, not that way--not that way!"
Schmidt was trying to guide her round a sharp corner, but she resisted him.
"But that is the way home," protested the Cossack.
"I know, but I cannot go home, until I have seen where he is. I must go--you must not prevent me!"
"To the police-station?" inquired Schmidt in considerable astonishment. "They will not let us go in, you know. You cannot possibly see him. What good can it do you to go and look at the place?"
"You do not understand, Herr Schmidt! You are good and kind, but you do not understand me. Pray, pray come with me, or let me go alone. I will go alone, if you do not want to come. I am not at all afraid--but I must go."
"Well, child," answered Schmidt, good-humouredly. "I will go with you, since you are so determined."
"Is this the way? Are you not misleading me? Oh, I am sure I shall never see him again--quick, let us walk quickly, Herr Schmidt! Only think what he may be suffering at this very moment!"