She feared not Death, so that she might meet him with her beloved.

Death was her hope and opportunity.

Here she had nothing; there she might have all.
The fetters had fallen from her, struck off by an overmastering hand.
Her duty was satisfied, her trust fulfilled, and she was free--free to die with her beloved.

Ay! her love was indeed a love deeper than the grave; and now it rose in eager strength, standing expectant upon the earth, ready, when dissolution had lent it wings, to soar to its own predestined star.
"You are sure, John ?" she asked again.
"Yes, dear, yes.

Why do you force me to repeat it?
I can see no hope." Her arms were round his neck, her soft curls rested on his cheek, and the breath from her lips played upon his brow.