She
turned her face to him a little shyly, and then looked away again.
"Were ever two human beings in such a situation before!"
"Everything has happened before," Malipieri answered. "There is
nothing new."
"Does it hurt very much to die of starvation?" Sabina asked after a
little pause.
"Not if one has plenty of water. It is thirst that drives people mad.
Hunger makes one weak, that is all."
"And cold, I am sure."
"Very cold."
They were both silent. She looked steadily at the gleaming bronze
statue before her, and Malipieri looked down at his hands.
"How long does it take to starve to death?" she asked at last.
"Strong men may live two or three weeks if they have water."
"I should not live many days," Sabina said thoughtfully. "It would be
awful for you to be living on here, with me lying dead."
"Horrible. Do not think about it. We shall get out before morning."
"I am afraid not," she said quietly. "I am afraid we are going to die
here."
"Not if I can help it," answered Malipieri.
"No. Of course not. I know you will do everything possible, and I am
sure that if you could save me by losing your life, you would. Yes.
But if you cannot break through the wall, there is nothing to be
done."
"The water may go down to-morrow. It is almost sure to go down before
long.
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