Pagina 413 di 2288

And with fury, as it were with passion, the murderer falls on the

body, and drags it and hacks at it; so he covered her face and

shoulders with kisses. She held his hand, and did not stir. "Yes,

these kisses-that is what has been bought by this shame. Yes, and

one hand, which will always be mine-the hand of my accomplice."

She lifted up that hand and kissed it. He sank on his knees and

tried to see her face; but she hid it, and said nothing. At last,

as though making an effort over herself, she got up and pushed

him away. Her face was still as beautiful, but it was only the

more pitiful for that.

"All is over," she said; "I have nothing but you. Remember that."

"I can never forget what is my whole life. For one instant of

this happiness...."

"Happiness!" she said with horror and loathing and her horror

unconsciously infected him. "For pity's sake, not a word, not a

word more."

She rose quickly and moved away from him.