It was empty; there was no fire laid.

I turned to her, and said: "Wait just a few minutes here.

I shall call someone, and get help--and fire." Her voice seemed to ring with intensity as she answered without a pause: "No, no! Rather would I be"-- here she hesitated for an instant, but as she caught sight of her cerements went on hurriedly--"as I am.

I trust you--not others; and you must not betray my trust." Almost instantly she fell into a frightful fit of shivering, drawing again her death-clothes close to her, so piteously that it wrung my heart.

I suppose I am a practical man.