Can you walk ?" Through his nerves, racked as they were, there swept a flood of joy, more sweet than that of any drug.

He could see the blown hair about her ears, see the round of her neck, the curve of her body as she bent to aid him, putting her free arm under his, forgetful of everything in her woman's wish to allay suffering, to brood, to protect, to increase life.

They passed through the door toward the foot of the stairs.

Here she turned to him.
"The pain is very great ?" she inquired.
"The pain at thinking of your going away is very great," he answered.

One hand on the newel post, he bent down, his head on his arm for an instant.