At last, through the darkness, I saw the lanterns carried by my men, who were leading the little procession.

The litter looked like a hearse; on one side walked the doctor, on the other Clement; they came softly and swiftly along.

I could not try any farther experiment; we dared not change her clothes; she was laid in the bed in the landlady's coarse night-gear, and covered over warmly, and left in the shaded, scented room, with a nurse and the doctor watching by her, while I led Clement to the dressing-room adjoining, in which I had had a bed placed for him.

Farther than that he would not go; and there I had refreshments brought.

Meanwhile, he had shown his gratitude by every possible action (for we none of us dared to speak): he had kneeled at my feet, and kissed my hand, and left it wet with his tears.