Her suspense was to end.
She rose, her hands pressed hard together to check their trembling; she bit her lip lest she might speak and disturb him one moment before he was ready to hear her.
He pushed back the bolt, and slowly opened the door and looked at her.
All the words of love and anxiety died on her lips.
"John," she whispered,--"oh, my dear, what is it ?" He came out, and, putting his hands on her shoulders, looked down at her with terrible, unsmiling eyes.

"Helen," he said, "I am grieved to have distressed you so, but it had to be.

I had to be alone.

I am in much trouble.

No," laying his hand gently on her lips; "listen to me, dearest.
I am in great distress of soul; and just now, just for a few days, I must bear it alone." Helen felt a momentary sense of relief.