I shall not urge her by a word; but if she is willing to be your wife, it will be by far the best way her future could be provided for.

Then, however soon I might die, she would not miss me." Paul had heard distinctly only her first words, in which she had stated her belief that Ida loved him and would probably be his wife.

This intimation had set up such a turmoil in his brain that he had not been able to follow what she had subsequently said.

There was a roaring in his ears.

Her voice seemed to come from very far away, nor did he remember how long afterwards it was that he left her.
As he went downstairs the door of the sitting-room stood open, and he looked in.