She scarcely
knew what she answered, but she remembered that some hours had passed
since she had been to see Greif or Rex and she roused herself to go
upon the errand of inquiry. In the corridor she was met by another
person who came to ask about the dispositions for the morrow, an
ominous creature in black, the sight of whom recalled at once the
hideous realities of the day, from which her mind had wandered in her
anxiety for Hilda's welfare. She gave the necessary directions and
continued upon her way.
'Come in,' said Greif's voice as she knocked cautiously at the door.
As soon as she entered she saw that his state had been improved by the
rest he had taken. His eyes were quiet, his colour pale but natural,
his manner mournfully calm. In the morning she had feared he might fall
into a delirious fever.
Frau von Sigmundskron came and stood beside him. He was comforted by
her presence, though he had not always been sure that he liked her. At
present, he knew what good cause he had to be grateful to her for what
she had done, and he felt that she was his only relation in the world,
the only woman alive who could in any way take the place of what he had
lost. If he had not been very fond of her before, it was because he had
not understood her, and because in his eyes her personality was
entirely eclipsed by Hilda's. He put out his hand and took hers, and
pressed it gently.
'You are very good,' he said. 'I am glad you have come.'
She sat down beside his easy-chair and gazed into the fire.
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