"I did not mean to be impatient or exacting." Then he raised his head and looked steadily into her eyes.

"What would you have me do, then ?" "Wait." "But you give me no promise." "No, I cannot--not now.

I am like one staggering along, following a dim light that leads hither and thither, and which may any moment go out and leave me in utter darkness." "Then there is something you have not told me ?" "O John! Can't you trust me ?" "And yet you love me ?" "As my life, John." When he had gone and she had closed the door upon him, she went back to the sofa where the two had sat together, and with her hands clasped tight above her head, sank down upon its cushions.

The tears came like rain now, bitter, blinding tears that she could not check.
"I have hurt him," she moaned.

"He is so good, and strong, and helpful.
He never thinks of himself; it is always of me--me, who can do nothing.
The tears were in his eyes--I saw them.