Miriam had written to him tenderly.
He went to see her.

Her heart was very sore when she saw him, white, gaunt, with his eyes dark and bewildered.

Her pity came up, hurting her till she could not bear it.
"How is she ?" she asked.
"The same--the same!" he said.

"The doctor says she can't last, but I know she will.

She'll be here at Christmas." Miriam shuddered.