or Thelma dead ?" "Both," answered Sigurd promptly.

"They are one and the same,--you cannot part them.

Mother and child,--rose and rosebud! One walks the earth with the step of a queen, the other floats in the air like a silvery cloud; but I see them join and embrace and melt into each other's arms till they unite in one form, fairer than the beauty of angels! And you--you know this as well as I do--you have seen Thelma, you have kissed the cup of friendship with her; but remember!--not with me--not with me!" He started from his seat, and, running close up to Errington, laid one meagre hand on his chest.
"How strong you are, how broad and brave," he exclaimed with a sort of childish admiration.

"And can you not be generous too ?" Errington looked down upon him compassionately.

He had learned enough from his incoherent talk to clear up what had seemed a mystery.