instant moaned gently on its hinges.

"Well, how is he?" whispered a voice that made me start.

"Still in the same state," sighed Saveliitch, "now unconscious four
days." I wanted to turn on my bed, but I had not the strength. "Where
am I?" said I, with effort, "who is here?" Marie approached, and
bending over me said, gently, "How do you feel?"

"Thank God, I am well. Is that Marie? tell me--?" I could not
finish. Saveliitch uttered a cry of joy, his delight showing plainly
in his face. "He recovers! he recovers! Thanks to thee, O God!
Peter, how you frightened me!--four days! It is easy to talk--!"

Marie interrupted him: "Do not, Saveliitch, speak too much to him; he
is still very weak." She went out, shutting the door noiselessly. I
must be in the Commandant's house, or Marie could not come to see me.
I wished to question Saveliitch, but the old man shook his head and
put his fingers in his ears. I closed my eyes from ill-humor--and
fell asleep.

Upon awaking, I called Saveliitch; instead of him, I saw before me
Marie, whose gentle voice greeted me. I seized her hand and bathed it
with my tears. Marie did not withdraw it, and suddenly I felt upon my
cheek the impression, humid and delicious, of her lips! A thrill shot
through my whole being.

"Dear, good Marie, be my wife, and make me the happiest of men!"

"In the name of heaven be calm," she said, withdrawing her hand, "your