"I never fainted before; something smothered me, and everything turned black. Mr. Herriott!"
He had gone to the table, but turned, and looked at her over his shoulder.
"Mr. Herriott, did not you say father was safe from shame and sorrow?"
"In a few moments he will be."
He opened the tin box, selected a small bundle of papers in an envelope marked "Ely Twiggs," and drew some matches from his case. In the grate he burned them one by one, then relocked and tied up the box.
"Eglah, what a pity Iphigenia did not know favorable winds were already blowing at Aulis before she yielded herself to her father's sacrificing hands! Poor Duncan had been dead twenty-four hours when the bishop performed that nuptial farce. If Martin's telegram had been forwarded, you would now be happy at home. I find it necessary to change my plans somewhat. I can spend but a single day at home, and, instead of going directly thence to Boston, shall make a few hours' stay in New York to see my lawyers."
"To alter your will? You need not. I have more than I require, and if I were a pauper I should never accept a cent from you. There is only one thing you can ever give me, and that I must want as long as I live."
He was walking slowly up and down the floor, his hands behind him, and paused beside the sofa.
"What is it?"
She pushed back the damp rings of hair, and lifted to his, pleading eyes pathetically sad.