"Yes," he said, going up to her resolutely.

" Neither you nor I have looked on our relations as a passing amusement, and now our fate is sealed.

It is absolutely necessary to put an end"--he looked round as he spoke--"to the deception in which we are living.

" "Put an end? How put an end, Alexey?" she said softly.

She was calmer now, and her face lighted up with a tender smile.