He hurried to the door to spare her the terrible reproof of the grief that had now mastered him.

When he passed her she turned toward him with a faint cry.
He caught her as she sank forward, and saved her from dropping on the floor.

For the last time his arms closed round her.

For the last time his lips touched hers--cold and insensible to him now.

He laid her on the sofa and went out.
One of the female servants was crossing the hall.