Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume XI).djvu/145

Rh Gemma looked him full in the face. 'You really want to go with me now to mamma? to mamma, who maintains that all this between us is impossible—and can never come to pass?' There was one word Gemma could not bring herself to utter It burnt her lips; but all the more eagerly Sanin pronounced it.

'Marry you, Gemma, be your husband—I can imagine no bliss greater!'

To his love, his magnanimity, his determination—he was aware of no limits now.

When she heard those words, Gemma, who had stopped still for an instant, went on faster than ever. She seemed trying to run away from this too great and unexpected happiness!

But suddenly her steps faltered. Round the corner of a turning, a few paces from her, in a new hat and coat, straight as an arrow and curled like a poodle—emerged Herr Klüber. He caught sight of Gemma, caught sight of Sanin, and with a sort of inward snort and a backward bend of his supple figure, he advanced with a dashing swing to meet them. Sanin felt a pang; but glancing at Klüber's face, to which its owner endeavoured, as far as in him lay, to give an expression of scornful amazement, and even commiseration, glancing at that red-cheeked, vulgar face, he felt a sudden rush of anger, and took a step forward.