"Offer a cup with a drop of water in it, to a man perishing, dying with thirst.

Yes, I'm going away, I care not whither; all places are alike to him who has lost all interest in life." He threw her hands from him almost with violence, half turned away, then suddenly catching her in his arms, held her close to his heart, kissing passionately, forehead, cheek, and lips.

"Oh, Elsie, Elsie, light of my eyes, core of my heart, why did we ever meet to part like this?
I don't blame you.

I have been a fool.

Good-bye, darling." And releasing her, he was gone ere she could recover breath to speak.