How precious these tears were to Maynard, who day after day had been shuddering at the continually recurring image of Tina with the dry scorching stare of insanity! By degrees the sobs subsided, she began to breathe calmly, and lay quiet with her eyes shut.

Patiently Maynard sat, not heeding the flight of the hours, not heeding the old clock that ticked loudly on the landing.

But when it was nearly ten, Dorcas, impatiently anxious to know the result of Mr.Gilfil's appearance, could not help stepping in on tip-toe.

Without moving, he whispered in her ear to supply him with candles, see that the cow-boy had shaken down his mare, and go to bed--he would watch with Caterina--a great change had come over her.
Before long, Tina's lips began to move.

'Maynard,' she whispered again.
He leaned towards her, and she went on.
'You know how wicked I am, then?
You know what I meant to do with the dagger ?' 'Did you mean to kill yourself, Tina ?' She shook her head slowly, and then was silent for a long while.