Norman Lovel came forward and took Elizabeth gently from the arms that supported her.
"What is it you ask of us?" he said, addressing Barbara in a trembling voice. "I, for one, am ready for any thing."
"Nay," said Barbara, "I ask but that your happiness shall be assured before I leave you."
The young man shook his head.
"There will be little happiness for us after that," was his sorrowful answer; "but it will be some consolation if we can mourn together."
"Norman, you love this girl?"
"Better than my life—better than any being on earth, save one, who, living or dead, will ever share my heart with her."
Tears swelled into Barbara Stafford's voice before she could answer.
"You will not grudge me a place in his memory?" she said, turning to Elizabeth.
"Oh! If it were to save your life, I would give him up! I would—I would!" sobbed Elizabeth.