He touched his cap and stolidly set the car in motion。 He
seemed to have a league with her to ignore Skrebensky。
The latter sat as if trapped within the taxi…cab; his face
still working; whilst occasionally he made quick slight
movements of the head; to shake away his tears。 He never moved
his hands。 She could not bear to look at him。 She sat with face
uplifted and averted to the window。
At length; when she had regained some control over herself;
she turned again to him。 He was much quieter。 His face was wet;
and twitched occasionally; his hands still lay motionless。 But
his eyes were quite still; like a washed sky after rain; full of
a ost ghost…like。
A pain flamed in her womb; for him。
〃I didn't think I should hurt you;〃 she said; laying her hand
very lightly; tentatively; on his arm。 〃The words came without
my knowing。 They didn't mean anything; really。〃
He remained quite still; hearing; but washed all wan and
without feeling。 She waited; looking at him; as if he were some
curious; not…understandable creature。
〃You won't cry again; will you; Tony?〃
Some shame and bitterness against her burned him in the
question。 She noticed how his moustache was soddened wet with
tears。 Taking her handkerchief; she wiped his face。 The driver's
heavy; stolid back remained always turned to them; as if
conscious but indiff