The great, overwhelming pleasure she had felt in dispelling his anxiety and in averting what had seemed a near and terrible catastrophe, gave place to the old, heartrending pity for him, as he rambled on in his delusion.

She had hoped that, as it was late on Wednesday evening, the time of it was passed and that, for another week, he would talk no more of his friends and his money and his return to fortune.

But the fixed idea was there still, as dominant as ever.

Her light tread grew weary and her head sank forward as she walked.

For one short hour she had felt the glory of sacrificing all she had to give, to her love.