She was weeping now, though the tears came very quietly.

"If he had only talked to me!" she murmured.
"He tried to do so more than once," returned Mr.Carlyon, "but each time you stopped him.

Would you like me to tell you what he said as well as I can remember his words ?" She nodded, but her face was still hidden.
"It was at Ventnor, and very near the end, and he was talking about you--living or dying you were his one thought.

'I know how she will grieve,' he said to me, 'but, father, you must not let her grieve too long.

I think it would trouble me even in paradise--if such a thing could be--if I thought I had spoilt her life.