Though it was said in a whisper, the sick man, whose hearing Levin had noticed was very keen, must have heard.

Levin said hush to her, and looked round at the sick man.

Nikolay had heard; but these words produced no effect on him.

His eyes had still the same intense, reproachful look.

"Why do you think so?" Levin asked her, when she had followed him into the corridor.