I only wish I could be a help to you." "You can only help me by being patient--just at present," he said.
"And not asking tiresome questions!" She smiled at him though her tears had overflowed.

"But oh, you won't take risks, will you?
Not unnecessary risks?
It is so terrible to think of you in danger--to think--to think of that horrible deformed creature who sent--Ralph--" She broke off shuddering and clinging to him.

It was the first time she had ever spoken of her first husband by name to him.
He dried the tears upon her cheeks.

"My own girl, you needn't be afraid," he said, and though his words were kind she wondered at the grimness of his voice.

"I am not the sort of person to be disposed of in that way.