he had whispered "Katusha" she jumped up and began to persuade

him, as if angrily, to go away.

"Open! Let me in just for a moment! I implore you! He hardly knew

When she left him, trembling and silent, giving no answer to his

words, he again went out into the porch and stood trying to

understand the meaning of what had happened.

It was getting lighter. From the river below the creaking and

tinkling and sobbing of the breaking ice came still louder and a