"Erik--to think it should have happened--and that, yesterday...."

"I know about it," she answered.

"He was badly hurt."

"Yes, yes, of course, he was badly hurt--why do you talk to me about him?"

"I thought.... No, I don't know. But, anyhow, he'll get better. And then
it will be all right again, surely."

"Yes, yes...."

Pause.

It sounded as if she had been making fun of me. Then suddenly she said
with a smile:

"What a strange fellow you are! What makes you walk all that way to come
and sit here of an evening?"

"It's just a little habit I've got lately. For something to do till
bedtime."

"Then you're not afraid?"

Her jesting tone gave me courage; I felt myself on surer ground, and
answered: