The mysterious change from sleep to consciousness was almost
instantaneous. He opened his eyes and looked first at Unorna and then at
the Wanderer. There was neither pain nor passion in his face, but only
wonder. A moment more and his limbs regained their strength, he stood
upright and passed his hand over his eyes as though trying to remember
what had happened.
"How came I here?" he asked in surprise. "What has happened to me?"
"You fainted," said Unorna quietly. "You remember that you were very
tired after your journey. The walk was too much for you. We will take
you home."
"Yes--yes--I must have fainted. Forgive me--it comes over me sometimes."
He evidently had complete control of his faculties at the present
moment, when he glanced curiously from the one to the other of his two
companions, as they all three began to walk towards the gate. Unorna
avoided his eyes, and seemed to be looking at the irregular slabs they
passed on their way.
The Wanderer had intended to free himself from her as soon as Kafka
regained his senses, but he had not been prepared for such a sudden
change. He saw, now, that he could not exchange a word with her without
exciting the man's suspicion, and he was by no means sure that the first
emotion might not produce a sudden and dangerous effect. He did not even
know how great the change might be, which Unorna's words had brought
about. That Kafka had forgotten at once his own conduct and the fearful
vision which Unorna had imposed upon him was clear, but it did not
follow that he had ceased to love her.
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