The day had been wasted, and the hours that remained to them were perilously few.

But more than the thought of North's death, the death itself filled her mind with unspeakable imaginings.

The power to control her thoughts was lost, and her terrors took her where they would, until North's very death struggles became a blinding horror.

Somewhere in the silent house, a door opened and closed.
"At last!" said the general, under his breath.
But it was only the governor's secretary who entered the room.

He halted in the doorway and glanced from father to daughter.