Page:Storm Over Paris.pdf/46

tell Soma that she would run down to the baker to get some cakes-and instead she would run off. In her excitement, without saying a word, she moved swiftly towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Soma hastily sprang from the bed.

"I-I-" Anna looked about wildly. "I must go to get some milk."

"Here's a whole pitcher full. You really don't have to bother."

Anna felt as though her knees were buckling under her The corners of her mouth quivered. She felt that something fearful would happen. She felt it with the positive certainty of someone who sees the roof caving in. One swift leap-and she could save herself! She spread butter on a slice of bread and poured some tea into the cup.

"Here, take it, Soma," she said, forcing herself to control her voice. She held the food towards him.

Soma got back into bed, but he made no move to take the food from the table where she had placed it. Confused, she bent over to help him, hoping that when he was through she would be able to take her leave and say goodbye. But when she met his glance her hope faded. So much gratitude and longing were in his gaze that she lost all hope. She had the feeling that he was trying to keep back his tears. She could see him turn his head aside; she could see the lump in his throat moving convulsively.

"What is going on here?" she wondered as she stood motionless, brooding. "But what does it matter to me? Everywhere in the world thousands of people die each day. As for me, my beloved is waiting, my bridegroom, my mate..."

Soma must have sensed the struggle that was going on inside her.