IX.
For a while neither the baron nor Jenny spoke a word. The girl folded both handkerchiefs flat , and pressed the wet bandages gently to the wounded temple.
“Is Sály gone far already?” he asked at last.
“A little way.”
“Is she out of hearing?”
Jenny did not answer.
“Why do you not answer me?”
“I have promised your sister to take the greatest care of you till the doctor arrives; and speaking is most injurious for you in your present dangerous state.”
“This is not the tone you spoke to me in a little while ago. But I have deceived myself; I am foolish—I— ”
Jenny remained silent.
“I thought—I fancied that you said to me—Edmund; you—perhaps it was a dream—perhaps it was truth! And I deserved it, for—I—I love you, Jenny!”
”Still she did not utter a word.
“Why did you recall me to life? It would have been better for me had you not done so. I tell you it would have been better for me, as you are so proud, so void of feeling, so heartless—even when you see me on the brink of the grave!”
