While raising the food to his lips, he confirmed the news Maria had already heard from the musician, and was gentle and kind, but his appearance saddened her, for it recalled Barbara's allusion to the heavy burden he had assumed.
To-day, for the first time, she noticed two deep lines that anxiety had furrowed between his eyes and lips, and full of tender compassion, went behind him, laid her hands on his cheeks and kissed him on the forehead.
He trembled slightly, seized her slender right hand so impetuously that she shrank back, raised it first to his lips, then to his eyes, and held it there for several minutes.
At last he rose, passed before her into his sleeping-room, bade her an affectionate good-night, and lay down to rest.

When she too sought her bed, he was breathing heavily.

Extreme fatigue had quickly overpowered him.

The slumber of both was destined to be frequently interrupted during this night, and whenever Maria woke, she heard her husband sigh and moan.

She did not stir, that she might not disturb the sleep he sought and needed, and twice held her breath, for he was talking to himself.