It has seemed all night long as though my brain were on fire; every step of the horse has been torture.

Oh, I want so to be alone--alone! I want to think this out; I want to face it all by myself.

Merciful God! it seems to me I shall be driven insane unless I can be alone, unless I can find a way into some peace of soul.

Do not blame me; do not look at me like that, but be merciful--if you still love me, let me be alone." He grasped the extended hand, bending low over it, unwilling in that instant that she should look upon his face.

Again and again he pressed his dry lips upon the soft flesh.
"I do love you, Beth," he said at last, chokingly, "love you always, in spite of everything.